CWC Elects Sonia Gandhi as the Interim Congress President

Sonia Gandhi was elected interim Congress president, on Saturday, 10 August.

(Photo: PTI)

After a long second meeting, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) unanimously elected Sonia Gandhi as the interim president of the Congress, on Saturday, 10 August.

The decision was announced after Rahul Gandhi once again refused to take back his resignation from the post of the party head.

“The CWC unanimously resolved to request Sonia Gandhi to take over as the interim president, pending the election of a regular president by the AICC,” party leader KC Venugopal said during a press briefing.

Earlier during the day, after the first round of consultations held by the CWC to arrive at a consensus party president, Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said that Rahul Gandhi refused to withdraw his resignation, even though the committee spoke in one voice and asked him to continue as party president.

“All leaders unanimously said that they want the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. CWC members also emphasised upon Rahul Gandhi that the current BJP government is subjugating the Constitution. They also said that democracy is in danger and in such a situation the voice of a strong opposition needs to be heard. But he said that his decision to not withdraw his resignation is final.”

Randeep Surjewala, Spokesperson, Congress

Surjewala had further added that the CWC, in accordance with the wishes of Rahul Gandhi, has divided itself into five zonal groups, each of which will meet today to discuss the probable names for party president. Their views will then be discussed at the second round of the CWC meeting to be held at 8 pm today.

Earlier in the day, after attending the CWC meeting for a brief period, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi told ANI that she and Rahul Gandhi would not be a part of the consultation process. “There is a process of consultation and naturally, Rahul and myself, we cannot be a part of that consultation.”

While Sonia Gandhi’s name was in the Eastern Zonal Committee, Rahul Gandhi’s name was present in the Western Zonal Committee. When asked about her and Rahul’s name being present in the list of members holding the consultative process, the UPA Chairperson said “obviously, it’s a mistake.”

Those present in the meeting included Randeep Surjewala, KC Venugopal, Harish Rawat, Meira Kumar and Ahmed Patel, among others.

Earlier, reports had suggested that Mukul Wasnik, a non-Gandhi, was in contention to become the interim president of the Congress.

Happy to See Sonia Gandhi Back in the Saddle: Amarinder Singh

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh welcomed Sonia Gandhi’s appointment as interim president of the Congress as the best decision in the current circumstances, and said her experience and understanding will help guide the party.

Singh’s tweet reads:

“Happy to see Smt. Sonia Gandhiji back in the saddle. It was the best decision in the current circumstances. Her experience and understanding will help guide @INCInida. I wish her and the party all the best.”

Other Congress leaders from Punjab and Haryana also hailed her appointment as interim president.

Dynasty Politics Rejected by People, But Congress Still Wants Sonia

Senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan said dynasty politics was rejected in the last general elections, but the Congress did not learn from it and still wants Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to lead the party.

Chauhan said the BJP has set an example as its leaders grow in the party naturally, while the Congress is unable to move beyond a family.

“The Congress is not willing to learn. It is surprising that the CWC still wants Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to lead the party,” the BJP vice-president said told reporters.

(With inputs from PTI)