‘Don’t Consider My Name’: Priyanka Gandhi on Congress’ Top Job

Priyanka Gandhi’s comments come amid speculation by senior party leaders over Rahul Gandhi’s replacement.

File image of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.

(Photo: PTI)

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday, 1 August, in a party meeting, said that she should not be considered as a replacement for her brother Rahul Gandhi, the outgoing party chief.

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will now be deliberating on the next president soon after the ongoing session of Parliament session ends next week.

“The CWC will meet after the current session of Parliament, but a date for the same has not been finalised yet,” Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Priyanka Gandhi's comments come amid speculation hinted at by senior Congress party leaders like Captain Amarinder Singh and Shashi Tharoor.

Top Congress leaders have been pondering over who could succeed Gandhi and several rounds of meetings have taken place, but a decision on his successor has not been taken yet, PTI reported.

“When a general secretary suggested that Priyanka ji should consider taking charge, she said her name shouldn’t be taken,” The Hindu reported, quoting a senior leader.

At Thursday's meeting, which was to be held on Wednesday evening, party leaders discussed preparations for the 75th birth anniversary celebrations of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi later this month.

(With inputs from The Hindu and PTI)