Proved his Mettle: Congress Leaders Rejoice Over RaGa’s Presidency

Gandhi’s takeover will mark a generational shift in the party, where his mother held the post for almost 2 decades.

Rahul Gandhi took over the reins of the Congress Party from his mother and former party president Sonia Gandhi on Monday, 11 December, amid much fanfare.

Congress leader and returning officer for party elections Mullapally Ramachandran formally announced Gandhi’s presidentship, effectively ending the 19-year-long rule of Sonia Gandhi.

Gandhi was elected to the post unopposed, after the 89 nominations filed in his favour were found to be valid. He will formally take over as party president on 16 December.

Gandhi’s takeover will mark a generational shift in the party, where his mother held the post for close to two decades becoming the longest serving chief.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Rahul Gandhi on his presidency.

I congratulate Rahul Ji on his election as Congress President. My best wishes for a fruitful tenure. @OfficeOfRG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2017

Party leaders from across the country wished their incoming president after the formal announcement was made.

Senior Leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the country had a lot of expectations from the party president-elect.

The entire country has lots of expectations from Rahul Gandhi. Much before he was elected, he has shown his mettle. He knows his responsibility.

Ghulam Nabi Azad

Praising the younger Gandhi for showing his mettle in Gujarat, Azad said that even the entire BJP entourage in the state was unable to counter him.

Party leader Tarun Gogoi also praised the president-elect, calling him the only ‘reliable candidate in Gujarat’, where he campaigned hard for the state assembly elections.

This is the worst time in India under the present government. In such time Rahul Gandhi has been elected as party President. In Gujarat, he has proved he is the only candidate who can be relied upon. He is facing Modi confidently.

Tarun Gogoi

The Congress party also welcomed the president-elect, wishing him a successful tenure.

The entire Indian National Congress family would like to convey our best wishes to incoming President Rahul Gandhi, and wish him a successful tenure as he continues to lead from the front. #CongressPresidentRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/3md3zzFYux

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 11, 2017

Senior leader Ashok Gehlot also took to Twitter to congratulate Gandhi on his new presidency.

A great n unforgettable moment for me as Sh #RahulGandhi takes over as #CongressPresident... I wish him all success n have highest hopes that he will lead the party to new heights... #CongressPresidentRahulGandhi

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 11, 2017

Congratulations to @OfficeOfRG on being elected President of INC! The country is looking forward to ur leadership! Satyamev Jayate!

— Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) December 11, 2017

My heartiest congratulations to the newly elected President of @INCIndia Shri Rahul Gandhi. I am confident the party will attain greater heights under his dynamic leadership. #CongressPresidentRahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/VllQ4cucwa

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 11, 2017

Meanwhile, dissenting party member Shehzad Poonawalla termed the announcement a ‘black day for Congress’,

#NewProfilePic #BlackDayForCong pic.twitter.com/cpFbfGrswv

— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) December 11, 2017