Shashi Tharoor vs Mallikarjun Kharge in race for Congress president, KN Tripathi out

The Congress, which is trying desperately to regain its lost electoral and political footing in the country, is going to hold its first election in 22 years on October 17 to choose a party president.

The fight for the top post in the Congress party will just be between Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor after the application of former Jharkhand minister KN Tripathi was rejected today.

The forms submitted by the candidates have been scrutinized, Madhusudan Mistry, senior Congress leader and the returning officer for the election of the party president, said at a press conference today.

“Of the 20 forms received, four forms have been rejected due to variations in signatures. The Jharkhand candidate’s form has also been rejected due to the repetition of signatures and signatures not matching,” he added.

“Malikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor are the two candidates. October 8 is the date for withdrawal of candidacy. The picture will be clear on that day - if no one withdraws, then the voting process will take place,” Mistry added.

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After the official announcement, Shashi Tharoor tweeted: "Delighted to learn that, following scrutiny, Mallikarjun Kharge and I will be squaring off in the friendly contest for President of Congress. May the party and all our colleagues benefit from this democratic process!"

Delighted to learn that, following scrutiny, Shri @kharge and I will be squaring off in the friendly contest for President of @incIndia. May the Party and all our colleagues benefit from this democratic process! pic.twitter.com/X9XAyy8JCB