Gehlot has already stated publicly that he will run for office, but Shashi Tharoor, who is also running and has met Madhusudan Mistri, is another candidate who is most likely to challenge Gehlot.
Digital Desk: Nominations for the Congress president is scheduled to begin today with a contest between Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and former union minister Shashi Tharoor on the cards.
The deadline for nominations is September 30, and the new Congress chief will be named on October 19. After Sonia Gandhi succeeded Sitaraman Kesri as party leader in 1998, it will be the first time in 25 years that Congress is led by a non-Gandhi.
When Sitaram Kesri defeated Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot in 1997, the party last had a non-Gandhi leader in that position.
Madhusudan Mistri, chairman of the Central Election Authority, will be on hand at Congress's national headquarters to accept nominations as returning officer of the election.
Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, made it clear yesterday that there won't be a Gandhi family running this time.
Speaking to ANI, Gehlot said, "I have urged him (Congress MP Rahul Gandhi) to accept everyone's suggestion of becoming the Congress President on numerous occasions. He made it clear that no member of the Gandhi family should succeed him as chief."
He added, "I've decided to contest" (for the post of Congress President). I'll shortly set the date (to file his nomination). In light of the nation's current situation, the Opposition needs to be powerful."
Earlier, after visiting Sonia Gandhi, the interim head of the Congress, the former Haryana chief executive remarked, "Today during our meeting, we discussed the party and ways to make it stronger. She declared that she will not support or oppose any candidate for president of the Congress."
Gehlot has already stated publicly that he will run for office, but Shashi Tharoor, who is also running and has met Madhusudan Mistri, is another candidate who is most likely to challenge Gehlot.
Manish Tewari, a former union minister, is also thinking about running for office, according to sources close to him.
The main plot point is that there will be three or more parties competing within the Congress party.
According to Madhusudan Mistri, more than 9,000 delegates will cast votes. Anyone may run for office, but at least ten delegates must support candidates. The deadline for nomination submissions is September 30.
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