Today’s internal election between Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor will choose the next leader of the Congress—the first non-Gandhi to hold the position in more than 20 years. Mr. Kharge is the ‘approved’ candidate even though none of the Gandhis are running.
Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor have both reaffirmed the Gandhis’ non-involvement in the elections.
However, Mr. Tharoor drew attention to what he described as “difference in treatment,” “bias,” and a “uneven playing ground.”
He said that the state leaders were “not available” while he campaigned in the states. But in many places, state Congress chiefs and legislature Party “welcome Mallikarjun Kharge, sit with him… I am not complaining, but do you not see a difference in treatment?” Mr Tharoor had told reporters.
Mr Kharge has declared that he believes in “collective decision-making” and would take the “guidance” of the Gandhis. “They have done good for this country. Their advice will benefit the party… so I will definitely seek their advice and support. There is no shame in it,” he had said.
Elections are being held three years after Mr. Gandhi resigned from the leadership position following the Congress’s defeat in two consecutive elections in 2019. Despite persistent pressure from certain party leaders, the 52-year-old, who is now in charge of the party’s “Bharat Jodo” yatra, has steadfastly refused to take the reins as president.
In August 2019, Sonia Gandhi, who had stepped down from her party’s duties, was convinced to return as its interim leader.
The Group of 27—to which Shashi Tharoor belonged—and other leaders called for an organisational revamp after the Congress suffered a succession of losses in the states.
Today is likely to see more than 9,000 state Congress Committee leaders cast their ballots in what would be the 137-year-old party’s sixth genuine election since Independence. In every election, Sonia and Rahul Gandhi won with no opposition.
Source: NDTV
