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Sonia may appoint vice-presidents, small committee to assist her

CWC meet today, Sonia Gandhi likely to resign as Congress President

CWC meet today, Sonia Gandhi likely to resign as Congress President

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Published : Aug 24, 2020, 6:29 AM IST

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Updated : Aug 24, 2020, 11:02 PM IST

22:57 August 24

Sonia may appoint vice-presidents, small committee to assist her

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi may have a small committee to assist party her and also appoint vice-presidents, party sources said. Sonia Gandhi was on Monday requested by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to continue to lead the party till a session of AICC is held.

The sources said some leaders may be attached to her to decrease her workload. With the CWC meeting held in the backdrop of the letter of 20 party leaders to Sonia Gandhi which raised some heckles, several leaders expressed their views in the meeting lasted for over seven hours.

22:55 August 24

Those who wrote letter as fiercely opposed to BJP as Rahul Gandhi or me: Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday said that those who wrote the letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi conveying their concerns "are certainly as fiercely opposed to the BJP as I am or Rahul Gandhi is".

In an interview with a news agency through video conferencing after a meeting of Congress Working Committee, the former union minister also said that nobody, much less Rahul Gandhi, alleged that anyone colluded with the BJP. Chidambaram said there is always discontent and it is some discontent which brings out change.

He said that every invitee to the meeting got a chance to speak his mind.

"Nobody, much less Rahul Gandhi, alleged that anyone colluded with the BJP. Those who wrote the letter are as fiercely opposed to the BJP as I am or Rahul Gandhi is. That is a red herring planted by a section of the media," Chidambaram said.

20:14 August 24

Cong top brass reach Azad's residence for another meeting

Cong top brass reach Azad's residence for another meeting

Top Congress leaders including Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor and Kapil Sibal arrived at the residence of Ghulam Nabi Azad after 7 hours long CWC meeting concluded on Monday.

18:26 August 24

गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020
">
गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020

'Ghulam kya mange - Azadi': Kapil Mishra's dig at Cong internal war

New Delhi: As the Congress on Monday woke up to a kind of civil war where its senior leaders hit back after being accused of having colluded with the BJP, Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra couldn't help but take a dig with a slogan that mocked the controversial slogan of 'Hum Kya Chahte - Azadi' (What do we want - freedom) that often resonates in Kashmir and in JNU protests.

Mishra tweeted, "Ghulam kya mange - Azadi, Sibal kya mange - Azadi (What does Ghulam want - freedom, What does Sibal want - freedom)". It was a direct reference to veteran Congress leaders Kapil Sibal and Ghulam Nabi Azad's outburst where they asked the party to prove allegations of collusion with BJP against them.

According to party sources, Azad, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, while speaking in the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said, "if you prove that I am colluding with BJP, I will quit right now."

This comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi questioning the timing of a letter by 23 dissenters and Haryana Congress leader Kumari Selja targeting them for writing it to seek a leadership change as she branded those who wrote the letter as "agents of the BJP".

Mishra couldn't let go off the opportunity to insinuate that both Azad and Sibal need "freedom" from the Congress. Interestingly, the slogan bears an uncanny resemblance to JNU protest slogans that earlier made headlines.

17:54 August 24

Sonia Gandhi to continue as Congress interim president

Sonia Gandhi during a political rally in New Delhi (File)

Sonia Gandhi during a political rally in New Delhi (File)

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim president of Congress and the election of new party chief will take place as soon as possible, party leader KH Muniyappa said after a crucial meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday.

"Madam (Sonia Gandhi) has to continue and the election will take place as soon as possible which is the unanimous decision of the working committee," Muniyappa, who is a special invitee to CWC, told a news agency.

He said there was no difference of opinion on the leadership.

"There is no different opinion on leadership and even Ghulam Nabi Azadji, Mukul Wasnikji and Anand Sharmaji have given in writing that there is no dispute on leadership," Muniyappa said.

Sources said while CWC members talked of the election of a new president in one year, party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the process should start in six months. They said a session of AICC session is likely to be convened in six months and a new president will be elected. Many leaders demanded Rahul Gandhi should again take the post of party chief.

15:58 August 24

Ghulam takes U-turn: RaGa never said the letter meant for collusion with BJP

As political turmoil has witnessed sharp rebuttals from the top party leaders after the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the timing of the letter by a section of the party leaders, former minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Gandhi, neither in CWC or outside, mentioned about the letter (to Sonia Gandhi about party leadership) was written in collusion with BJP. Earlier today, Azad said that he would resign if anyone proves such link which can determine any links with BJP.

15:34 August 24

Leaders who give good suggestions to Congress are accused of colluding with BJP: Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking to media over Congress leadership crisis

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that those leaders who give good suggestions to Congress are being accused of colluding with BJP and labelled as traitors.

"Those who give good suggestions to Congress, they are being accused of colluding with BJP. When Scindia ji raised his voice, he was accused of colluding with BJP. Now when leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal are demanding full-time party chief, they're also being accused of colluding with BJP. No one can save such a party," Chouhan told a news agency.

"In Congress, those people who raise issues that are in party's interest, they (Congress) call them traitors and those who indulge in sycophancy are considered loyal," he said.

The comments of Chouhan came after developments in the Congress Working Committee meeting. During the CWC meeting, Azad said he will resign if Rahul Gandhi's "collusion with BJP" remark can be proven, sources had said. The meeting is being held after a controversy erupted over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders calling for 'full time' active leadership, sweeping reforms and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the CWC.

15:27 August 24

BJP ward member is better than Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi: Uma Bharti

BJP leader Uma Bharti speaking over leadership crisis in Congress

Commenting on the issue of Congress leadership crisis, BJP leader Uma Bharti said that the grand old party has been facing a political crisis for the last 20 years. They don't have any stalwart leader who can actually work for the progress of the party.

"Gandhi-Nehru family's existence is in crisis, their political dominance is over, Congress is finished.. so who stays in what position hardly matters now... Congress should return to Gandhi, the real 'swadeshi' Gandhi without any foreign element."

She further asserted that if Congress need any leader from our party, we will sacrifice any of the ward members. "If Congress needs our help, we will help them by giving any of the ward members from BJP. Even the ward member can work better than Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi", added Bharti.

14:54 August 24

Refused deputy CM post as I knew of Kamal Nath-Digvijay Singh's 'kartoot', says Jyotiraditya Scindia

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia speaking to media

Reacting to the ongoing political crisis in the Congress, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who left Congress to join BJP, has revealed that he turned down an offer of the deputy CM post under Congress government in Madhya Pradesh as he knew what Digvijay Singh and CM Kamal Nath would do to the state with their 'kartoot' (bad deeds).

"I am a public servant and not a servant of the chair. If I had been a servant of the chair, I would have accepted the offer of being deputy CM. But I knew what people sitting in government would do to the state, and thus I didn't want to be a part of their bad deeds," Scindia said while addressing the BJP membership drive on Sunday.

After Congress party dethroned BJP in 2018 assembly polls, the Congress leadership chose Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Kamal Nath, not Scindia, to lead the government.

14:30 August 24

Take up Congress President's post: Ahmed Patel to Rahul Gandhi

Ahmed Patel asked Rahul Gandhi to take up the post of Congress President. This comes after the grand old party faces a leadership crisis.

14:10 August 24

No one can save Congress, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

"When Scindia ji raised his voice, he was accused of colluding with BJP. Now when leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad & Kapil Sibal are demanding full-time party chief, they're also being accused of colluding with BJP. No one can save such a party,"said Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

13:55 August 24

Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020
">
Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020

Kapil Sibal withdraws tweet hitting out at Rahul

Withdrawing his tweet Senior leader Kapol Sibal said that Rahul Gandhi has personally informed him that he never said what was attributed to him.

13:47 August 24

Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020
">
Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020

Randeep Singh Surjewala defends Rahul Gandhi

Defending Rahul Gandhi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in his twitter, "Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it".

"Please don’t be misled by false media discourse or misinformation being spread", he added.

He advised Congress leader to unite in fight against Modi rule not with each other.

13:18 August 24

Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020
">
Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020

Sanjay Jha hits out at Rahul over 'colluding with BJP' remark

Congress leader Sanjay Jha also hit out at Rahul Gandhi over 'colluding with BJP' remark. Taking it to Twitter, Jha said ,"Dear Rahul Ji If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream."

13:18 August 24

Ghulam Nabi Azad slams Rahul for 'Pro-BJP remark'

Senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad during CWC said," He will resign if Rahul Gandhi's 'collusion with BJP' remark can be proven.

12:56 August 24

Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020
">
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020

Kapil Sibal hits back at Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal hit out at Rahul Gandhi on Monday over his reported remarks that the leaders who have written to Sonia Gandhi for organisational overhaul were "colluding with the BJP" and said he has never made a statement in favour of the saffron party on any issue in the last 30 years.

Sibal is among the 23 party leaders who have written to Sonia Gandhi seeking a "full-time" leadership that is active in the field and "visible" in party offices, dissolution of powers to state units and revamping the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in line with the party constitution, among other changes.

As the CWC meeting is underway and it was reported that Rahul Gandhi had lashed out at the leaders who had written to Sonia Gandhi, Sibal tweeted.

"Rahul says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government," he said.

"Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!" Sibal tweeted.

12:53 August 24

Rahul Gandhi questions timing of letter to Sonia, says it was written in cahoots with BJP

Rahul Gandhi said that those writing letter to Sonia Gandhi for reforms in party leadership did it in collusion with BJP.

12:21 August 24

Rahul Gandhi objects to dissent letter by Congress leaders, questions its timing

Rahul Gandhi questioned the timing of the dissent letter asking why was it sent when the party was fighting in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. He asked, "Why was the letter written when the Congress President was sick?"

Rahul Gandhi criticised leaders for going public with the issues concerning party and said that CWC is not media.

12:11 August 24

APCC urges Sonia Gandhi to continue as Congress president

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday requested Sonia Gandhi to continue as the AICC president as 'there is no other leader in the Congress to give a strong leadership.' In case Sonia Gandhi made up her mind otherwise, the APCC wanted Rahul Gandhi to come forward and take up the responsibility as Congress president.

'The APCC unanimously resolved and holds a strong belief that you should continue to lead the party as Congress President at this crucial juncture,' APCC president Sake Sailajanath said.

'But if you have made up your mind otherwise and a change is inevitable, I believe that Rahul Gandhi ji should come forward and take up the responsibility of Congress president since the party needs him to lead the struggle from the front as the country faces the biggest challenge ever to its secular democracy and the Constitution,' he added.

12:03 August 24

Sonia Gandhi asks CWC to select new party chief

Sonia Gandhi asked CWC members "to begin deliberations towards the process of transition to relieve her from the duty of party president"

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi handed over letter to KC Venugopal replying to note sent by dissidents, contents of which were read out during the meet. Ex-PM Manmohan Singh, AK Antony criticised letter by some leaders seeking leadership change.

11:58 August 24

AK Antony urges Sonia not to quit

AK Antony has also made an appeal to Sonia Gandhi not to step down from the post of Congress Chief. He even expressed his dissent over the letter saying that such moves weaken the party: Sources

During the CWC meet, Sonia Gandhi referred to letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad, others while offering to quit.

11:45 August 24

Sonia Gandhi hints at quitting as Interim President, Manmohan Singh urges her to continue

Sonia Gandhi hints at quitting as Interim President and asked CWC to select a new party chief. "Sonia Gandhi expressed her wish not to continue with the post of party chief. She has asked CWC to find a replacement of her," said sources.

KC Venugopal has asked the dissenters as how that letter got leaked. Calling the letter 'unfortunate', former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as party chief.

11:39 August 24

Sonia Gandhi joins CWC meet

Interim party president Sonia Gandhi joins the Congress Working Committee's virtual meeting; the meeting is now underway

11:28 August 24

Congress like school where only headmaster's child tops class: MP Home Minister

Congress like school where only headmaster's child excels, BJP min taunts

"There are many eligible candidates in Congress (for post of party chief) like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Raihan Vadra & Miraya Vadra. Congress members should understand that Congress is like the school where only headmaster's child tops the class," said MP Minister Narottam Mishra

11:12 August 24

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway to discuss the leadership issue and Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief. Congress leaders including Manmohan Singh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Capt. Amarinder Singh joined the Congress Working Committee's virtual meeting

Congress workers have demanded President from Gandhi family and Kisan Congress has come out in the support of Rahul Gandhi

11:04 August 24

CWC meet to start soon

Congress working committee meeting is going to start soon. This time, the virtual meeting will be held on Cisco WebEx instead of Zoom as the recording of the virtual meeting won't be not possible in this platform.

10:56 August 24

J&k Congress backs Rahul Gandhi

J&k Congress backs Rahul Gandhi

J&k Congress Pradesh Committee backs Rahul Gandhi

Jammu And Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee has extended support to Rahul Gandhi to be the next party president "if there is any change in Congress President"

10:52 August 24

Delhi Congress workers demand party President from Gandhi family

Congress workers raised slogans outside AICC office, demanding that Party President should be from Gandhi family. Congress worker Jagdish Sharma says, "We want Party President from Gandhi family only. Party will be destroyed & break away if any outsider is made President."

09:25 August 24

Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020
">
Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020

Kamal Nath, Arun Yadav evince support for Gandhis

As the clamour over the Congress leadership grows, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and erstwhile Union Minister Arun Yadav has come out in the support of the Gandhi family. Nath has extended his support and Yadav to Rahul Gandhi.

Taking it to Twitter, Nath wrote, "I request Mrs Gandhi to provide strength to the Congress by continuing as Party's President. We must not forget that despite the canard against Mrs Gandhi, she led the Congress victory in 2004 and made Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee sit at home."

Meanwhile, Yadav said, "At a time when the party is grappling against a venomous ideology and bearing erosion of values and morals, Mr Gandhi is the ray of hope."

07:15 August 24

Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020
">
Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020

State party unit stands by Gandhis: KPCC President to Sonia Gandhi
In a letter, lauding the role of Sonia Gandhi, Congress' Karnataka state chief, D.K. Shivakumar wrote: "We cannot forget the criticism and brickbats you and your family have been subjected to and constant humiliation and allegation heaped against you."I personally believe that it is only you and the Gandhi family that can lead the party," he said.

"As a humble worker of the party, I would like to express my honest feelings to you about the party as well as my opinion about the impending developments in the party as reported in the media," the Congress leader added.

"Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family. Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party. Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media," he tweeted

06:28 August 24

Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020
">
Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020

Most Cong workers would like to see Rahul's return as Cong chief: Pilot
Former Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Sunday said most of the party workers would like to see Rahul Gandhi take over as the president of the grand old party.
"Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party. It's now time to build consensus and consolidate. Our future is stronger when we're united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party," he said in a tweet.

Pilot's comments came ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi on Monday, where the leadership issue is likely to be discussed. While around two dozen Congress leaders, including some former ministers, have written to party chief Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organisational structure and changes in the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul Gandhi have written to the CWC, pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as party chief.

06:02 August 24

Sonia may appoint vice-presidents, small committee to assist her

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi is likely to offer her resignation in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which is scheduled to be held today at 11 am, sources said.

Earlier on the media reports of her quitting as party's chief, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said that the "reports are false", but according to sources, "73-years-old Gandhi is upset amid a massive controversy over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders calling for 'full time' active leadership, sweeping reforms and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the CWC.

The meeting of Congress's highest decision-making body is expected to be at a very 'high voltage mode' as Sonia Gandhi's resignation will not be accepted by the CWC members, the sources added.

Sonia Gandhi was appointed as an interim president a year ago (on August 10, 2019) by the CWC, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had stepped down as party President, taking the responsibility of poll debacle in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
This is the second time Gandhis are witnessing resentment within the party after 1999 when Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar, PA Sangma had raised questions on her origin. This time it is 'not personal' contrary to the 1999 situation.

Gandhi family loyalists and Congress Chief Ministers took on the section of leaders who signed the letter and rallied behind the Gandhi family, calling for Sonia to stay or Rahul Gandhi to take charge again. There exist 'battle of opinions' among the party leaders.

While talking to media persons, former law minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, " Where are the leaders who raised questions on Sonia Gandhi's origin in 1999? Are the resenting leaders in the party. Ask them where they are. Do they still have resentment? I was in the Congress party back then and I am in the party now and will be in the party. I have no resentment. I am a committed party member and I laud the decisions of our leaders."

READ: Leadership crisis hits Congress a day ahead of crucial CWC meet

Various leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Karnataka unit chief DK Shivakumar have requested Sonia Gandhi to continue as party president.

Sources told reporters that strategy has been chalked out by the loyalists that if the CWC members who said to have written the letter to Sonia Gandhi will debate the issue and express their views then "the reply will be given in the same manner with facts as close members of team Rahul who are in the CWC will offer their resignation in the meet too," sources said.

"Rahul Gandhi is not ready to take up the post of party president but leaders close to him are hopeful as he is playing an active role in taking on Modi Government and looking after the party affairs," sources added.

Congress party's internal system is also taking extra precautions for the meet as the new app will be used for Video-Conferencing of the meeting. Mock Tests have also been done this time and every member of CWC has been asked to remain present in the meeting.

While Congress party internal conflict has come out in open over leadership issue as calls have grown for having a non-Gandhi as party president. The issue will have to be debated in the meeting if Sonia Gandhi refused to continue as Congress chief.

An internal dispute had emerged regarding "leadership" issues in the party after several senior Congress leaders reportedly have written to party interim president Sonia Gandhi raising a 5-Point Agenda to revive the party, emphasising the need for active leadership in the party and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the Congress Working Committee. Sections of the party feel that the uncertainty over the leadership issue should end soon as it will help the party take on the BJP-led government more forcefully.

READ: Letter by some Cong leaders seeking leadership change an 'organised coup' by BJP: Tewary

ANI

22:57 August 24

Sonia may appoint vice-presidents, small committee to assist her

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi may have a small committee to assist party her and also appoint vice-presidents, party sources said. Sonia Gandhi was on Monday requested by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to continue to lead the party till a session of AICC is held.

The sources said some leaders may be attached to her to decrease her workload. With the CWC meeting held in the backdrop of the letter of 20 party leaders to Sonia Gandhi which raised some heckles, several leaders expressed their views in the meeting lasted for over seven hours.

22:55 August 24

Those who wrote letter as fiercely opposed to BJP as Rahul Gandhi or me: Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday said that those who wrote the letter to party chief Sonia Gandhi conveying their concerns "are certainly as fiercely opposed to the BJP as I am or Rahul Gandhi is".

In an interview with a news agency through video conferencing after a meeting of Congress Working Committee, the former union minister also said that nobody, much less Rahul Gandhi, alleged that anyone colluded with the BJP. Chidambaram said there is always discontent and it is some discontent which brings out change.

He said that every invitee to the meeting got a chance to speak his mind.

"Nobody, much less Rahul Gandhi, alleged that anyone colluded with the BJP. Those who wrote the letter are as fiercely opposed to the BJP as I am or Rahul Gandhi is. That is a red herring planted by a section of the media," Chidambaram said.

20:14 August 24

Cong top brass reach Azad's residence for another meeting

Cong top brass reach Azad's residence for another meeting

Top Congress leaders including Manish Tewari, Shashi Tharoor and Kapil Sibal arrived at the residence of Ghulam Nabi Azad after 7 hours long CWC meeting concluded on Monday.

18:26 August 24

गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020
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गुलाम क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
सिबल क्या मांगे - आज़ादी
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) August 24, 2020

'Ghulam kya mange - Azadi': Kapil Mishra's dig at Cong internal war

New Delhi: As the Congress on Monday woke up to a kind of civil war where its senior leaders hit back after being accused of having colluded with the BJP, Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra couldn't help but take a dig with a slogan that mocked the controversial slogan of 'Hum Kya Chahte - Azadi' (What do we want - freedom) that often resonates in Kashmir and in JNU protests.

Mishra tweeted, "Ghulam kya mange - Azadi, Sibal kya mange - Azadi (What does Ghulam want - freedom, What does Sibal want - freedom)". It was a direct reference to veteran Congress leaders Kapil Sibal and Ghulam Nabi Azad's outburst where they asked the party to prove allegations of collusion with BJP against them.

According to party sources, Azad, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, while speaking in the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision-making body of the party, said, "if you prove that I am colluding with BJP, I will quit right now."

This comes in the wake of Rahul Gandhi questioning the timing of a letter by 23 dissenters and Haryana Congress leader Kumari Selja targeting them for writing it to seek a leadership change as she branded those who wrote the letter as "agents of the BJP".

Mishra couldn't let go off the opportunity to insinuate that both Azad and Sibal need "freedom" from the Congress. Interestingly, the slogan bears an uncanny resemblance to JNU protest slogans that earlier made headlines.

17:54 August 24

Sonia Gandhi to continue as Congress interim president

Sonia Gandhi during a political rally in New Delhi (File)

Sonia Gandhi during a political rally in New Delhi (File)

Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim president of Congress and the election of new party chief will take place as soon as possible, party leader KH Muniyappa said after a crucial meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Monday.

"Madam (Sonia Gandhi) has to continue and the election will take place as soon as possible which is the unanimous decision of the working committee," Muniyappa, who is a special invitee to CWC, told a news agency.

He said there was no difference of opinion on the leadership.

"There is no different opinion on leadership and even Ghulam Nabi Azadji, Mukul Wasnikji and Anand Sharmaji have given in writing that there is no dispute on leadership," Muniyappa said.

Sources said while CWC members talked of the election of a new president in one year, party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the process should start in six months. They said a session of AICC session is likely to be convened in six months and a new president will be elected. Many leaders demanded Rahul Gandhi should again take the post of party chief.

15:58 August 24

Ghulam takes U-turn: RaGa never said the letter meant for collusion with BJP

As political turmoil has witnessed sharp rebuttals from the top party leaders after the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the timing of the letter by a section of the party leaders, former minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said that Gandhi, neither in CWC or outside, mentioned about the letter (to Sonia Gandhi about party leadership) was written in collusion with BJP. Earlier today, Azad said that he would resign if anyone proves such link which can determine any links with BJP.

15:34 August 24

Leaders who give good suggestions to Congress are accused of colluding with BJP: Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaking to media over Congress leadership crisis

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that those leaders who give good suggestions to Congress are being accused of colluding with BJP and labelled as traitors.

"Those who give good suggestions to Congress, they are being accused of colluding with BJP. When Scindia ji raised his voice, he was accused of colluding with BJP. Now when leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal are demanding full-time party chief, they're also being accused of colluding with BJP. No one can save such a party," Chouhan told a news agency.

"In Congress, those people who raise issues that are in party's interest, they (Congress) call them traitors and those who indulge in sycophancy are considered loyal," he said.

The comments of Chouhan came after developments in the Congress Working Committee meeting. During the CWC meeting, Azad said he will resign if Rahul Gandhi's "collusion with BJP" remark can be proven, sources had said. The meeting is being held after a controversy erupted over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders calling for 'full time' active leadership, sweeping reforms and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the CWC.

15:27 August 24

BJP ward member is better than Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi: Uma Bharti

BJP leader Uma Bharti speaking over leadership crisis in Congress

Commenting on the issue of Congress leadership crisis, BJP leader Uma Bharti said that the grand old party has been facing a political crisis for the last 20 years. They don't have any stalwart leader who can actually work for the progress of the party.

"Gandhi-Nehru family's existence is in crisis, their political dominance is over, Congress is finished.. so who stays in what position hardly matters now... Congress should return to Gandhi, the real 'swadeshi' Gandhi without any foreign element."

She further asserted that if Congress need any leader from our party, we will sacrifice any of the ward members. "If Congress needs our help, we will help them by giving any of the ward members from BJP. Even the ward member can work better than Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi", added Bharti.

14:54 August 24

Refused deputy CM post as I knew of Kamal Nath-Digvijay Singh's 'kartoot', says Jyotiraditya Scindia

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia speaking to media

Reacting to the ongoing political crisis in the Congress, Jyotiraditya Scindia, who left Congress to join BJP, has revealed that he turned down an offer of the deputy CM post under Congress government in Madhya Pradesh as he knew what Digvijay Singh and CM Kamal Nath would do to the state with their 'kartoot' (bad deeds).

"I am a public servant and not a servant of the chair. If I had been a servant of the chair, I would have accepted the offer of being deputy CM. But I knew what people sitting in government would do to the state, and thus I didn't want to be a part of their bad deeds," Scindia said while addressing the BJP membership drive on Sunday.

After Congress party dethroned BJP in 2018 assembly polls, the Congress leadership chose Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Kamal Nath, not Scindia, to lead the government.

14:30 August 24

Take up Congress President's post: Ahmed Patel to Rahul Gandhi

Ahmed Patel asked Rahul Gandhi to take up the post of Congress President. This comes after the grand old party faces a leadership crisis.

14:10 August 24

No one can save Congress, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

"When Scindia ji raised his voice, he was accused of colluding with BJP. Now when leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad & Kapil Sibal are demanding full-time party chief, they're also being accused of colluding with BJP. No one can save such a party,"said Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

13:55 August 24

Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020
">
Was informed by Rahul Gandhi personally that he never said what was attributed to him .

I therefore withdraw my tweet .
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020

Kapil Sibal withdraws tweet hitting out at Rahul

Withdrawing his tweet Senior leader Kapol Sibal said that Rahul Gandhi has personally informed him that he never said what was attributed to him.

13:47 August 24

Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020
">
Sh. Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it.

Pl don’t be mislead by false media discourse or misinformation being spread.

But yes, we all need to work together in fighting the draconian Modi rule rather then fighting & hurting each other & the Congress. https://t.co/x6FvPpe7I1
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 24, 2020

Randeep Singh Surjewala defends Rahul Gandhi

Defending Rahul Gandhi, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said in his twitter, "Rahul Gandhi hasn’t said a word of this nature nor alluded to it".

"Please don’t be misled by false media discourse or misinformation being spread", he added.

He advised Congress leader to unite in fight against Modi rule not with each other.

13:18 August 24

Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020
">
Dear Rahul Ji

If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) August 24, 2020

Sanjay Jha hits out at Rahul over 'colluding with BJP' remark

Congress leader Sanjay Jha also hit out at Rahul Gandhi over 'colluding with BJP' remark. Taking it to Twitter, Jha said ,"Dear Rahul Ji If we are colluding with the BJP, then Boris Johnson is a fairness cream."

13:18 August 24

Ghulam Nabi Azad slams Rahul for 'Pro-BJP remark'

Senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad during CWC said," He will resign if Rahul Gandhi's 'collusion with BJP' remark can be proven.

12:56 August 24

Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020
">
Rahul Gandhi says “ we are colluding with BJP “

Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party

Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP Govt.

Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue

Yet “ we are colluding with the BJP “!
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2020

Kapil Sibal hits back at Rahul Gandhi

Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal hit out at Rahul Gandhi on Monday over his reported remarks that the leaders who have written to Sonia Gandhi for organisational overhaul were "colluding with the BJP" and said he has never made a statement in favour of the saffron party on any issue in the last 30 years.

Sibal is among the 23 party leaders who have written to Sonia Gandhi seeking a "full-time" leadership that is active in the field and "visible" in party offices, dissolution of powers to state units and revamping the Congress Working Committee (CWC) in line with the party constitution, among other changes.

As the CWC meeting is underway and it was reported that Rahul Gandhi had lashed out at the leaders who had written to Sonia Gandhi, Sibal tweeted.

"Rahul says 'we are colluding with BJP'. Succeeded in Rajasthan High Court defending the Congress Party. Defending party in Manipur to bring down BJP government," he said.

"Last 30 years have never made a statement in favour of BJP on any issue. Yet 'we are colluding with the BJP'!" Sibal tweeted.

12:53 August 24

Rahul Gandhi questions timing of letter to Sonia, says it was written in cahoots with BJP

Rahul Gandhi said that those writing letter to Sonia Gandhi for reforms in party leadership did it in collusion with BJP.

12:21 August 24

Rahul Gandhi objects to dissent letter by Congress leaders, questions its timing

Rahul Gandhi questioned the timing of the dissent letter asking why was it sent when the party was fighting in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. He asked, "Why was the letter written when the Congress President was sick?"

Rahul Gandhi criticised leaders for going public with the issues concerning party and said that CWC is not media.

12:11 August 24

APCC urges Sonia Gandhi to continue as Congress president

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday requested Sonia Gandhi to continue as the AICC president as 'there is no other leader in the Congress to give a strong leadership.' In case Sonia Gandhi made up her mind otherwise, the APCC wanted Rahul Gandhi to come forward and take up the responsibility as Congress president.

'The APCC unanimously resolved and holds a strong belief that you should continue to lead the party as Congress President at this crucial juncture,' APCC president Sake Sailajanath said.

'But if you have made up your mind otherwise and a change is inevitable, I believe that Rahul Gandhi ji should come forward and take up the responsibility of Congress president since the party needs him to lead the struggle from the front as the country faces the biggest challenge ever to its secular democracy and the Constitution,' he added.

12:03 August 24

Sonia Gandhi asks CWC to select new party chief

Sonia Gandhi asked CWC members "to begin deliberations towards the process of transition to relieve her from the duty of party president"

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi handed over letter to KC Venugopal replying to note sent by dissidents, contents of which were read out during the meet. Ex-PM Manmohan Singh, AK Antony criticised letter by some leaders seeking leadership change.

11:58 August 24

AK Antony urges Sonia not to quit

AK Antony has also made an appeal to Sonia Gandhi not to step down from the post of Congress Chief. He even expressed his dissent over the letter saying that such moves weaken the party: Sources

During the CWC meet, Sonia Gandhi referred to letter by Ghulam Nabi Azad, others while offering to quit.

11:45 August 24

Sonia Gandhi hints at quitting as Interim President, Manmohan Singh urges her to continue

Sonia Gandhi hints at quitting as Interim President and asked CWC to select a new party chief. "Sonia Gandhi expressed her wish not to continue with the post of party chief. She has asked CWC to find a replacement of her," said sources.

KC Venugopal has asked the dissenters as how that letter got leaked. Calling the letter 'unfortunate', former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Sonia Gandhi to continue as party chief.

11:39 August 24

Sonia Gandhi joins CWC meet

Interim party president Sonia Gandhi joins the Congress Working Committee's virtual meeting; the meeting is now underway

11:28 August 24

Congress like school where only headmaster's child tops class: MP Home Minister

Congress like school where only headmaster's child excels, BJP min taunts

"There are many eligible candidates in Congress (for post of party chief) like Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Raihan Vadra & Miraya Vadra. Congress members should understand that Congress is like the school where only headmaster's child tops the class," said MP Minister Narottam Mishra

11:12 August 24

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

CWC virtual meeting begins, Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is underway to discuss the leadership issue and Sonia Gandhi likely to step down as party chief. Congress leaders including Manmohan Singh, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Capt. Amarinder Singh joined the Congress Working Committee's virtual meeting

Congress workers have demanded President from Gandhi family and Kisan Congress has come out in the support of Rahul Gandhi

11:04 August 24

CWC meet to start soon

Congress working committee meeting is going to start soon. This time, the virtual meeting will be held on Cisco WebEx instead of Zoom as the recording of the virtual meeting won't be not possible in this platform.

10:56 August 24

J&k Congress backs Rahul Gandhi

J&k Congress backs Rahul Gandhi

J&k Congress Pradesh Committee backs Rahul Gandhi

Jammu And Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee has extended support to Rahul Gandhi to be the next party president "if there is any change in Congress President"

10:52 August 24

Delhi Congress workers demand party President from Gandhi family

Congress workers raised slogans outside AICC office, demanding that Party President should be from Gandhi family. Congress worker Jagdish Sharma says, "We want Party President from Gandhi family only. Party will be destroyed & break away if any outsider is made President."

09:25 August 24

Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020
">
Any suggestion or insinuation that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi’s leadership is in question is absurd.

I appeal to Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to give strength to the Congress Party by continuing as President and lead the Congress.
— Office Of Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 23, 2020

Kamal Nath, Arun Yadav evince support for Gandhis

As the clamour over the Congress leadership grows, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and erstwhile Union Minister Arun Yadav has come out in the support of the Gandhi family. Nath has extended his support and Yadav to Rahul Gandhi.

Taking it to Twitter, Nath wrote, "I request Mrs Gandhi to provide strength to the Congress by continuing as Party's President. We must not forget that despite the canard against Mrs Gandhi, she led the Congress victory in 2004 and made Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee sit at home."

Meanwhile, Yadav said, "At a time when the party is grappling against a venomous ideology and bearing erosion of values and morals, Mr Gandhi is the ray of hope."

07:15 August 24

Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020
">
Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family.

Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party.

Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) August 23, 2020

State party unit stands by Gandhis: KPCC President to Sonia Gandhi
In a letter, lauding the role of Sonia Gandhi, Congress' Karnataka state chief, D.K. Shivakumar wrote: "We cannot forget the criticism and brickbats you and your family have been subjected to and constant humiliation and allegation heaped against you."I personally believe that it is only you and the Gandhi family that can lead the party," he said.

"As a humble worker of the party, I would like to express my honest feelings to you about the party as well as my opinion about the impending developments in the party as reported in the media," the Congress leader added.

"Entire Congress Party in Karnataka stands by the leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the Gandhi family. Mrs. Gandhi has led the Congress during times of crisis and saved our party. Anything that has to be discussed must be done so in the party forum and not in the media," he tweeted

06:28 August 24

Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020
">
Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party.Its now time to build consensus and consolidate.
Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party
— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 23, 2020

Most Cong workers would like to see Rahul's return as Cong chief: Pilot
Former Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Sunday said most of the party workers would like to see Rahul Gandhi take over as the president of the grand old party.
"Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party. It's now time to build consensus and consolidate. Our future is stronger when we're united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party," he said in a tweet.

Pilot's comments came ahead of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting in New Delhi on Monday, where the leadership issue is likely to be discussed. While around two dozen Congress leaders, including some former ministers, have written to party chief Sonia Gandhi for an overhaul of the organisational structure and changes in the leadership, some leaders close to Rahul Gandhi have written to the CWC, pressing for the Gandhi scion's return as party chief.

06:02 August 24

Sonia may appoint vice-presidents, small committee to assist her

New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi is likely to offer her resignation in the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, which is scheduled to be held today at 11 am, sources said.

Earlier on the media reports of her quitting as party's chief, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said that the "reports are false", but according to sources, "73-years-old Gandhi is upset amid a massive controversy over a letter by more than 20 senior leaders calling for 'full time' active leadership, sweeping reforms and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the CWC.

The meeting of Congress's highest decision-making body is expected to be at a very 'high voltage mode' as Sonia Gandhi's resignation will not be accepted by the CWC members, the sources added.

Sonia Gandhi was appointed as an interim president a year ago (on August 10, 2019) by the CWC, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had stepped down as party President, taking the responsibility of poll debacle in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
This is the second time Gandhis are witnessing resentment within the party after 1999 when Sharad Pawar, Tariq Anwar, PA Sangma had raised questions on her origin. This time it is 'not personal' contrary to the 1999 situation.

Gandhi family loyalists and Congress Chief Ministers took on the section of leaders who signed the letter and rallied behind the Gandhi family, calling for Sonia to stay or Rahul Gandhi to take charge again. There exist 'battle of opinions' among the party leaders.

While talking to media persons, former law minister and Congress leader Salman Khurshid said, " Where are the leaders who raised questions on Sonia Gandhi's origin in 1999? Are the resenting leaders in the party. Ask them where they are. Do they still have resentment? I was in the Congress party back then and I am in the party now and will be in the party. I have no resentment. I am a committed party member and I laud the decisions of our leaders."

READ: Leadership crisis hits Congress a day ahead of crucial CWC meet

Various leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Karnataka unit chief DK Shivakumar have requested Sonia Gandhi to continue as party president.

Sources told reporters that strategy has been chalked out by the loyalists that if the CWC members who said to have written the letter to Sonia Gandhi will debate the issue and express their views then "the reply will be given in the same manner with facts as close members of team Rahul who are in the CWC will offer their resignation in the meet too," sources said.

"Rahul Gandhi is not ready to take up the post of party president but leaders close to him are hopeful as he is playing an active role in taking on Modi Government and looking after the party affairs," sources added.

Congress party's internal system is also taking extra precautions for the meet as the new app will be used for Video-Conferencing of the meeting. Mock Tests have also been done this time and every member of CWC has been asked to remain present in the meeting.

While Congress party internal conflict has come out in open over leadership issue as calls have grown for having a non-Gandhi as party president. The issue will have to be debated in the meeting if Sonia Gandhi refused to continue as Congress chief.

An internal dispute had emerged regarding "leadership" issues in the party after several senior Congress leaders reportedly have written to party interim president Sonia Gandhi raising a 5-Point Agenda to revive the party, emphasising the need for active leadership in the party and raising questions about the party's condition and direction, as well as demanding the election of the Congress Working Committee. Sections of the party feel that the uncertainty over the leadership issue should end soon as it will help the party take on the BJP-led government more forcefully.

READ: Letter by some Cong leaders seeking leadership change an 'organised coup' by BJP: Tewary

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Last Updated : Aug 24, 2020, 11:02 PM IST

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