24, Akbar Road buzzing with activity as Congress votes in new chief

For the first time in  over two decades, Congress leaders on Monday (October 17) voted for their new party president. With former party president Rahul Gandhi and interim president Sonia Gandhi opting out of the contest, Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor were left in the fray. 

Two hours into the voting process, senior party leaders unequivocally termed it ‘historic’. Among those who cast their vote at the party office were Sonia, her daughter and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. 

Also read: Explained: How Congress’ first presidential poll in 22 years will be conducted

“We have been waiting for a long time for this day,” Sonia told reporters outside the party office. By noon, 45 of the 77 party leaders who opted to vote at the AICC headquarters at 24, Akbar Road had cast their ballots.

Rahul Gandhi, who is leading the Bharat Jodo Yatra, cast his vote at a booth set up in Sanganakallu in Ballari district. 

Over 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates who form the  electoral college are exercising their voting rights to pick the party chief through a secret ballot. The result  will be announced on Wednesday, October 19.

‘Kharge experienced, Tharoor attractive’

Senior Congress leader Vivek Tankha, speaking to The Federal, said: “I am extremely happy that the process has taken place. It shows the democratic functioning of the grand old party and will go a long way to set a precedent.”

He went on to add that in his political career he hadn’t seen any political party holding an inner-party election to elect its president in an open contest. “We have two excellent candidates contesting the election. I am sure both of them with their experience and insights will only enrich the process,” he added.

It may be recalled that Tankha was among the 23 leaders, referred to as the G-23, who had staged a rebellion of sorts last year  demanding a stronger leadership. Surprisingly, Tankha voiced support for Kharge, rather than Tharoor, a G-23 colleague. “Kharge is a very experienced leader,” observed Tankha. “Tharoor is an attractive colleague.”

Tharoor had himself pointed out that he was getting little support from the G-23. However, he was not looking for their validation, he added.

Kharge tipped to win

Kharge is expected to win the election. One of his campaign managers said; “Delegates all over the country identify with Kharge ji as he rose from the ranks. His work at the local level and the provincial level, which makes him more relatable with the overall Congress ethos.

“Kharge ji fits very well with Congress’ larger ideology of grassroots politics and bridging the gap between Delhi and the provinces.” 

Ramu Tiwari and Krishna Mani Tripathi, who have been associated with the party for 27 years, were all praise for the election. Expressing their happiness at the event, they said the work carried out at the grassroots has allowed this process to fructify today. 

It does not matter if a Gandhi or a non-Gandhi is heading the Congress, they said. The Gandhi family’s contribution towards the party is immeasurable and talking about Congress without the Gandhis is not possible, they went on to say. 

Democracy at party level

Senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik said: “Irrespective of the outcome, both candidates will work towards strengthening the party. The outcome will enable the party to take on the BJP with a renewed focus. The election will strengthen the party and also set an example for other parties. Democracy is not only at the national level- in terms of general elections, but also at the level of party and cadres. This, in fact, will strengthen the overall political process in the country.”

Wasnik, whose name had initially been floated as a possible party president candidate, was also a G-23 member.