Ahead of the Congress presidential elections, Shashi Tharoor explained why leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge can’t bring change in the existing system of the party. The Thiruvananthapuram MP, however, clarified there is no animosity between the two leaders.
It should be noted that Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge are locking horns as candidates for the Congress presidential elections slated to take place on October 17.
While addressing a gathering in Nagpur, Tharoor said, “We aren’t enemies, it’s not war. It’s a poll for our party’s future.”
He went on to explain that Kharge comes in the top three leaders of Congress party. Hence, leaders like him can’t bring change and will continue the existing system, added the Congress MP.
“I will bring change as per expectations of party workers,” he added.
Kharge and Tharoor were left in the fray in the Congress presidential poll after former Jharkhand minister KN Tripathi’s nomination was rejected on Saturday.
Earlier on Friday, Tharoor had said that he is aware of his underdog tag and talk of an ‘official candidate’ in some quarters but he has been assured by the Gandhi family – Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra – repeatedly that they are “neither directly nor indirectly” backing anyone.
Congress presidential elections
According to a notification issued by the Congress, the process for filing nominations for the election was from September 24 to 30.
The date for scrutiny of the nomination papers was on October 1, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8.
The final list of candidates will be published at 5 pm on October 8.
The polling, if needed, will be held on October 17. The counting of votes will be taken up on October 19 and the results will be declared the same day.
More than 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) delegates will vote in the poll.
