Congress president poll: It's Mallikarjun Kharge v/s Shashi Tharoor
Congress stalwart and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor filed their nominations for the Congress presidential elections on Friday. After Kharge entered the fray, Digvijaya Singh announced his withdrawal from the race. The final battle for the party's top post will now be fought between the two leaders as final date for nominations came to a close.
Why does this story matter?
The grand old party will hold the presidential election in October and may get a non-Gandhi leader at its helm. While Ashok Gehlot was considered the "Gandhi family" candidate, reports said that the "rebellion" in Jaipur diminished his chances. With him out of the race, the party might witness a two-way contest between Tharoor, and Kharge if no other leader files the nomination.
Kharge, if elected, would be out of Karnataka CM race
Kharge — an MP from Gulbarga, Karnataka — is considered a loyalist and close to all three Gandhis — Sonia, Rahul, and Priyanka. Hailing from the Dalit community, he was also seen as a likely face for Karnataka CM as the state is set to go to polls soon. However, it wouldn't be the case anymore if he is elected as the Congress president.
Congress leaders from G-23 held meeting
Gehlot set example by apologizing to Congress chief: Mahesh Joshi
To placate the higher-ups after the political drama over the CM's post in Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot met Sonia Gandhi on Thursday night. After the hour-long meeting, he said that the party chief would take "positive decisions" regarding the state. After Gehlot backed out of the contest, Rajasthan Congress leader Mahesh Joshi said that he had set an example by apologizing to the Congress chief.
