New Delhi: It was former finance minister P. Chidambaram who first suggested that Sonia Gandhi take interim charge of the Congress, paving the way for the former president to make an unexpected comeback as party chief.
Party leaders, on the condition of anonymity, told ThePrint that Chidambaram put forward Sonia’s name at the marathon Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting Saturday, after incumbent Rahul Gandhi was adamant on quitting and a stalemate ensued during deliberations on picking his successor.
“After Chidambaram suggested her name, Ghulam Nabi Azad asked Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra) that if not Rahul, should Sonia be the next choice,” the senior leader said.
Priyanka, the Congress’ UP (East) in-charge, flagged the fact that Rahul had already made it clear that no one from the family should take over, the leader said. “But she was quick to add that if she (Sonia) agrees, then why not,” the leader added.
The leader said that the suggestion found resonance with other CWC members barring former defence minister A. K. Antony who insisted that the party should not ‘force’ Sonia.
“Antony said that the party should not force Sonia, and instead pay heed to whatever she decides,” said the senior leader.
Also read: Congress chooses Sonia Gandhi as interim chief till regular elections are held
Sonia was caught off guard
According to a second leader present at the meeting, Sonia was caught off guard by the suggestion, shook her head and declined to take charge.
But she eventually agreed after other CWC members including Ambika Soni, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kumari Selja and Asha Kumari supported the move.
The CWC had Saturday sprung a surprise and named Sonia as the interim till organisational elections. The move came three months after Rahul resigned and 17 months after Sonia had made way for him.
Also read: The Congress doesn’t need a president
Scindia pushed for final solution
Congress party’s UP (West) in-charge and CWC member Jyotiraditya Scindia, said the leader, pushed for a final resolution on Saturday itself.
“As it seemed like no decision may be taken, it was Scindia who said that it doesn’t matter how late it gets, we will arrive at a decision today,” the senior leader said.
It led to a nearly 12-hour meeting Saturday.
Senior leaders also told ThePrint that no mention of any of the names making the rounds was taken up during the evening meeting. “No one mentioned Mukul Wasnik, Sushil Kumar Shinde or Mallikarjun Kharge,” said one of the leaders.
“There was a stray mention during the subcommittee meetings with people rooting for Priyanka, Scindia and (Sachin) Pilot, but not during the CWC,” he added.
Naturally! He has the most to lose if Sonia did not become President.
Our GDP is in decreasing trend. Rates are in increasing trend. The functions of RBI, CBI, Supreme Court are suspected stage. Without strong opposition govt will not work in proper track. Regional parties are fighting for their cause only. In this stage we public should not support blindly any political parties.
It’s a very good decision as we now need to take our people’s need scientifically an with hundred percent public oriented because of so many factors including low GDP,no jobs,no hearing the farmers issues,environmental destruction in t name of development
Like nature’s furies against all t destruction being done by man the masses are giving a singal to those in power to nw start taking care of the desgruntled educated youths.
Nobody shoul comment on the old party as to how they manage it.
One crook is supporting another.
Not a surprise when one thief proposes another thief’s name.
This man (Chidambaram) is a rogue, and will soon go to jail where he truly belongs. He has done everything possible to divide the country along religious lines by “appeasing” the Muslims and denigrating the Hindus.
His agenda, like that of the Congress’ dynastic parivar, is clear: divide and rule, and plunder. The nation be damned.
As usual stage managed act. Proposing the name, slavery to the core. Whole exercise is not required, result is known to everyone. She can as well be named life time President.
Back to the future!
All parties are glued to a particular brand. Congress Nehru Gandhi
BJP Modi and RSS
Akali Badal
SP Maulayam, Akhi
SP Maya
SS Thakrey
NCP Pawar
TMC Mamata
RJD Lalu
TDP Naodi
YSRC Jagan
DMK Stalin
AIADMK Proxy Modi
TRS KCR
JDS Gowda
JDU Nitish
Only Left though dead do not fall in above category. The above brand of glue is what is making to stay together. Gone are days when party above personalty. Some messages are floating around that Congress leaders are Gulam Gandhi family, what about BJP where leaders are Gulam of Modi who in turn Gulam of RSS. Other parties are no better
The old guards of drama troupe is back.