Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram expressed support on Sunday for a consensus approach in selecting the AICC chief, emphasizing that Rahul Gandhi will maintain a prominent position in the party regardless of his presidency. Chidambaram, a former Union minister and Congress Working Committee member, suggested that Rahul Gandhi might reconsider his decision not to assume the party’s presidency just days before the AICC chief polls notification.
In an interview with PTI, Chidambaram addressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of the party president polls, stating that any controversy had been averted if the central election authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry’s recent clarification had come earlier. He clarified that the electoral college roll would not be publicly disclosed, but PCC-wise rolls could be inspected at the respective PCC offices, and the all India electoral roll would be available at the AICC office. Chidambaram noted that every nominated candidate would receive a copy of the electoral roll.
Several Lok Sabha members, including Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Karti Chidambaram, Pradyut Bordoloi, and Abdul Khaleque, sought clarification on electoral rolls. In response, Mistry assured that the list of over 9,000 PCC delegates would be accessible at the AICC’s central election authority office from September 20.
Chidambaram questioned whether similar issues arose during the BJP’s party elections and emphasized that consensus, although not the default option, is preferable for selecting the AICC president. He cited the examples of Nadda, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Gadkari, who were all elected by consensus.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s potential candidacy, Chidambaram acknowledged him as the acknowledged leader of the party and suggested that party workers desire him to be the president. While uncertainty remains about Rahul’s decision, Chidambaram affirmed that he would always hold a pre-eminent place in the party.
In response to questions about the Gandhi family’s role if a non-Gandhi is elected, Chidambaram highlighted the Congress’s historical patterns, stating that leaders and presidents were sometimes the same and sometimes different individuals. He asserted that if Rahul Gandhi is elected, he will be both leader and president; otherwise, he will remain the acknowledged leader.
The notification for the Congress president’s election is scheduled for September 22, with the nomination filing period from September 24 to 30. The election, if needed, will be held on October 17, and results will be announced on October 19. Chidambaram also commented on the Bharat Jodo Yatra, stating that it has reinvigorated Congress with a message of unity, love, and tolerance, in contrast to divisive narratives. He dismissed BJP’s criticism of the yatra as a reaction to the unexpected positive response.