Sonia Gandhi, Rahul permission not required to contest in presidential poll, says Congress party
The Hindu
“No other political party in the country holds elections to select their party chief” said Jairam Ramesh
The Congress on Wednesday said no one requires the permission of its president Sonia Gandhi or its leader Rahul Gandhi to contest in its presidential polls which is likely to be held next month if there is no consensus on who should be at the helm of the grand old party.
AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, speaking to the media during the break between the first and second leg of the days' Bharat Jodo Yatra, said, "Anybody is free and welcome to contest in the election if they have the backing of 10 PCC delegates."
"No one requires the permission of Congress president or Rahul Gandhi to file nomination. The elections will be fair and transparent. No other political party in the country holds elections to select their party chief." Mr. Ramesh, at the same time, also said that he believes in selection of the party president based on consensus as per the Kamraj model.
He invoked the "view" of legendary Congress leader K. Kamaraj, which according to him, was "talk to everybody and find a suitable consensus choice" for leading the party.
"If consensus is not possible, then elections are desirable. We are not running away from holding elections," he said.
On who would be throwing their hats in the ring, Mr. Ramesh said he does not know who all will contest, but he certainly will not.
He also said that he does not know whether Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will file his nomination and if he does, what will happen in that state.