New Delhi, Aug 21 : As the Congress is set to choose its new chief, a number of names are being considered following Rahul Gandhi has refused to give second review to his decision of not holding a post in the party, sources told. The names that are being circulated are loyalists to the party including Ambika Soni, Mukul Wasnik and Kumari Selja.
However, the party believes that Rahul Gandhi will be the leader of the party which is in its worst times.Some are also putting forward the idea of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra but there isn’t any clarity as she is tasked with the difficult task of Uttar Pradesh, where the party’s performance is almost zero.
Additionally the Congress, in the interim is preparing a the plan B to keep Sonia Gandhi as party president and nominate an interim president to each zone, a plan previously discussed.
Another name being talked about is the name of Sonia Gandhi loyalist Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who are being considered for.However, Gehlot has denied the top job and claimed that Rahul Gandhi should assume the role as party president.
The Congress schedule was to start the process on Sunday (August 21) however, the working committee (CWC) meeting hasn’t been scheduled yet.Sources claim that the CWC nod is not necessary since it has already given its approval to proceed, and the sources of the party also claim that the elections will take place in accordance with the timetable.
Some of the leaders of the Scheduled Castes who may be considered for the top job are Sushil Kumar Shinde, Mallikarjun Kharge and Meira Kumar.
Kharge is Rahul Gandhi’s confidante , and could play a pivotal role in the Karnataka elections.
However, sources say that former party president Rahul Gandhi has planned an array of talks with the state unit.
He will also be visiting each district in the country in the days leading up to the general election.The plan is still to be finalized.
Rahul Gandhi’s insisting on a non-Gandhi candidate taking over the post has put the Congress in an impasse.Some of his closest friends are trying to persuade him to take back the position.
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