CWC meeting live updates: Congress to pick new president
The CWC meeting Saturday will take place amid a clear divergence of views between young leaders and the party’s old guard. And perhaps for the first time since Rahul resigned, Sonia Gandhi’s opinion was sought Friday by the senior leadership. Rahul, sources said, indulged in some “plain speaking” at the meeting, making in known that “leaders can slide away” but the party will not compromise on principles. Hours earlier, former Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Bhubaneshwar Kalita joined the BJP.
Rahul asked leaders whether the Congress would have got more votes had it supported the Centre’s decision. He said this after many of those who attended the meeting spoke about public mood being in favour of scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution and argued that the party could lose votes.
Many leaders spoke about the uncertainty that has gripped the party and asked him to continue as Congress president. He refused but told them not to worry, arguing that the next Congress chief will be in place within the next few days after wider consultations.
Senior Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor and Punjab CM Amarinder Singh have welcomed the CWC decision to appoint Sonia as interim chief.
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The Congress Working Committee on Saturday passed three resolutions on Rahul Gandhi's contribution as party chief, Sonia Gandhi being appointed interim chief till the AICC elects a regular president, and on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. According to one of the resolutions, the CWC unanimously resolved to request Sonia Gandhi to take over as interim chief pending the election of a regular president by the AICC. Rahul Gandhi was requested to accept stay on as party chief, however, he declined to withdraw his resignation, it said.
The first resolution said that the CWC places on record its profound sense of appreciation and gratitude for the exceptional leadership provided by Rahul Gandhi as Congress president.
"Rahul Gandhi led the party with unbounded drive, fierce determination and dedication," another resolution said. "Rahul Gandhi's instinctive moral compass is evident from the manner in which he has taken personal responsibility for the disappointing performance of the party in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, thereby setting new standards of accountability in public life," it said.
A third resolution on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was also adopted by the Congress' top decision-making body, Congress general secretary organisation K C Venugopal and party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala announced. (PTI)
Sonia Gandhi had taken over as president in 1998 and led the party to two victories in 2004 and 2019. After the debacle in Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, Rahul Gandhi had resigned from the top post. Though the CWC wanted to him to continue, the Gandhi scion remained firm on his decision. In today’s meeting of the top decision-making body of the party, it was widely expected that the party will choose a non-Gandhi chief.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today said that reports of unrest are emanating from Jammu and Kashmir. "Govt. has imposed a media & communications black out. I urge the Govt. to take urgent steps to ensure the safety of every citizen in J&K and to lift the veil of secrecy," he tweeted.
Here are the resolutions passed by Congress Working Committee at AICC HQ today
"We are all grateful to Sonia Gandhi for accepting the unanimous request of the CWC to be the Interim President of Congress, at this critical juncture when India faces numerous challenges," Congress leader Anand Sharma said in a tweet.
"Happy to see Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji back in the saddle. It was the best decision in the current circumstances. Her experience and understanding will help guide," said Punjab CM Amarinder Singh on Twitter.
"Congratulations to INC Working Committee for making the best decision in current circumstances, requesting Sonia Gandhi ji to take over as Interim President pending the election of a regular Pres by the AICC. Let elections allow Party workers to decide who should lead them," Tharoor said in a tweet.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has welcomed the nomination of Sonia Gandhi as Congress interim president.
In the press briefing by Congress, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal said that the first resolution that came after the CWC meet said that Rahul Gandhi fought against forces of bigotry, hate and prejudice.
The CWC places on record its profound sense of appreciation and gratitude for the exceptional leadership provided by Shri Rahul Gandhi as Congress President, it said.
The resolution further stated that Rahul led the party with unbounded drive, fierce determination and dedication. He campaigned in the assembly and national elections with indefatigable energy. He stood up fearlessly on issues of day-to-day concern to kisans, khet mazdoors, workers, traders and small businesses, youth, women, minorities, dalits and adivasis and the weaker sections of our society. . He raised his voice boldly against the growing atmosphere of fear and intimidation in our country. These issues continue to be of significant relevance irrespective of the electoral verdict of May 2019, it stated.
Watch: Congress press briefing after CWC meet underway.
KC Venugopal: Congress Working Committee unanimously resolved that Rahul Gandhi should continue as Congress president & requested him to accept this decision, however, he declined to withdraw his resignation.
Congress general secretary, K C Venugopal, who was invited to speak on the issue by Surjewala, said that Congress Working Committee (CWC) has unanimously resolved to request Sonia Gandhi to take over as the Interim President, pending the election of a regular president by the AICC. (ANI)
As soon as the CWC meet ended, the Congress held a press briefing. In the party presser, party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that Rahul Gandhi has worked tirelessly for the party. Rahul gave the party a news energy and direction, he said.
CWC has accepted Rahul Gandhi's resignation after he declined to continue as party chief, PTI reported.
After a marathon CWC meet on Saturday, the Congress party appointed Sonia Gandhi as interim party president. Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad confirmed the development while speking to media after the meeting.
Congress stops deliberation on choosing the next chief for the party citing issues surround Jammu and Kashmir. Briefing the media, Rahul Gandhi said that the deliberations have been stopped owing to reports emanating from J&K.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi arrives at the AICC HQ for CWC meet. The meeting is being held to appoint the next chief of the grand old party.
Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting underway at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office.
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress leaders AK Antony, Mallikarjun Kharge and Jyotiraditya Scindia arrive at All India Congress Committee (AICC) office for Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.
The report of all the 5 committees will be submitted and taken up for consideration by CWC now. Sources say most of the committees have proposed the name of Rahul Gandhi once again. Even the committee in which Priyanka was there has proposed his name.
She stood by my side in my darkest years. Later, when I was able to come out of my sorrow, she urged me to take the responsibility of Presidentship of the Congress party and when I took it, she was there guiding me as an elder sister: Sonia Gandhi talking about late Sheila Dikshit.
At 11 am, the Congress' top brass, including ex-prime minister Manmohan Singh, party general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ahmed Patel, A K Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad and P Chidambaram, went into a huddle at the All India Congress Committee headquarters here.
The CWC decided to have consultations with leaders from across the country and it was divided into five groups for different regions -- northeast, east, north, west and south.
The CWC unanimously appealed to Gandhi to lead the party, saying he was the best person for the top post at the time when the BJP-led government was "assaulting democracy and undermining people's rights". "The CWC will meet again this evening to take a call on the reports of CWC sub-groups. There was a sense that the situation of impasse on Congress leadership should be resolved as soon as possible. Therefore it was felt that the CWC should meet again this evening and take a call on the issue," Surjewala said.
"Rahul's resignation as Congress chief still under consideration, CWC to take a decision in the evening," Surjewala said.
"The BJP government is subjugating the Constitution, suppressing the voice of dissent, is deriding the democratic process; our democracy is in danger on account of the overwhelming majority that they enjoy and refuse to listen to the voice of the people of India. In such a situation, the voice of a strong opposition needs to be heard and that is of Rahul Gandhi," Surjewala said.
Congress' spokesperson is addressing the media.
"Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi felt a democratic process has to prevail and everyone's views must be taken. That is why they recused themselves from the party," Surjewala told reporters.
While addressing the media, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "We need a strong opposition and Rahul is apt to lead it. He, however, thanked Congress workers across the country and said his resignation not to withdraw his resignation is final. He said he will work with full force for his party. A second CWC meet will be held at 8 pm today where the reports will be presented and a decision taken accordingly."
Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, tweeted, "My position remains what I first articulated more than a month ago: CWC should choose an Interim President asap, then resign and announce open elections for both President and CWC." He added, "The final choice should reflect the wishes of the party workers and should be a person, irrespective of age or gender, who can both energize the party organization and inspire the voters -- especially those who did not support us in 2014 and 2019. We just cannot afford "business as usual"."
"Now consultation (to decide next party chief) is going on and naturally me and Rahul ji cannot be a part of it," Sonia Gandhi was quoted as saying by ANI.
Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi left the CWC meeting today, saying that, as former presidents, they cannot be a part of the consultation groups. The process will continue but the duo will not be a part of it.
Asserting that “lack of clarity” over leadership following Rahul Gandhi’s resignation is hurting the Congress, senior leader Shashi Tharoor had earlier said the way forward for the party could be opening up all key posts, including the CWC membership, to fresh elections which would help legitimise the incoming set of leaders. “It is certainly quite true that the lack of clarity at the top of the party is likely to be hurting the Congress workers and sympathisers, many of whom miss the fact of having a party leader to look to for key decisions, authority and even inspiration and energy, to rally together and move forward,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP said.
Veteran Congress leader Karan Singh had earlier said he is “aghast” at the disorientation into which the party has fallen since Rahul Gandhi’s resignation, and urged the working committee to meet without delay under the chairmanship of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take necessary decisions. “I am aghast to see the confusion and disorientation into which the party has fallen since Rahul Gandhi resigned on May 25. Instead of honouring his bold decision a month was wasted pleading him to take back his resignation,” he said in a statement. “I strongly urge the working committee to meet without delay, perhaps under the chairmanship of former PM Manmohan Singh and take necessary decisions,” the former Union minister added.
Congress leader and Anandpur Sahib MP Manish Tewari spoke to The Indian Express on the leadership crisis in the party. "I think this young versus old and experience versus dynamism debate is a completely sterile debate. What you require is someone who would be able to or who would have sufficient gravitas, sufficient organisational journey to be able to command the respect and commitment of Congress workers and leaders across the country. The challenge at this point in time is to keep the party together, keep it cohesive. And that is how you will prepare for the long haul. This is the time for consolidation. You know, this is in my opinion, not the time for experimentation," he said. Click here to read full interview.
Rahul Gandhi arrives at the party headquarters for the CWC meeting.
The CWC meeting is underway at the AICC HQ.
The CWC members have been divided into five groups to facilitate discussions on the new Congress chief.
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives for the meeting at the AICC headquarters.
Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ambika Soni, Motilal Vora, P Chidambaram, Tarun Gogoi and Siddaramaiah at the CWC meeting on Saturday. (Express photo/Prem Nath Pandey)
The meeting of the Congress leaders at the AICC headquarters is underway.
Sonia Gandhi outside the AICC headquarters on Saturday. (Express photo/Prem Nath Pandey)
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Randeep Surjewala and KC Venugopal also arrived for the meeting.
UPA chairperson arrives for the CWC meeting at the AICC headquarters.
Congress leaders arrive at the AICC headquarters to attend the CWC meeting.
Other Congress leaders like Tarun Gogoi, Keira Kumar and Ahmed Patel have also arrived for the meeting.
During the meeting on Saturday, Rahul also asked leaders whether the Congress would have got more votes had it supported the Centre’s decision. He said this after many of those who attended the meeting spoke about public mood being in favour of scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution and argued that the party could lose votes.
Many leaders spoke about the uncertainty that has gripped the party and asked Rahul Gandhi to continue as Congress president. He refused but told them not to worry, arguing that the next Congress chief will be in place within the next few days after wider consultations.
Today's CWC meeting takes place amid a clear divergence of views between young leaders and the party’s old guard. And perhaps for the first time since Rahul resigned, Sonia Gandhi’s opinion was sought Friday by the senior leadership. Rahul, sources said, indulged in some “plain speaking” at the meeting, making in known that “leaders can slide away” but the party will not compromise on principles. Hours earlier, former Congress chief whip in Rajya Sabha Bhubaneshwar Kalita joined the BJP.
The last reorganisation of the CWC was in March 2018, three months after Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress president (December 2017). At the session, the AICC authorised him to reorganise the CWC. The previous reorganisation was in March 2011, after Sonia Gandhi’s September 2010 re-election as Congress president. She did not make any dramatic changes, but dropped Arjun Singh and Mohsina Kidwai from the main CWC and accommodated them as permanent invitees. Read full copy here.
According to news agency ANI, sources said the CWC will shortly meet and will be divided into five groups The discussions (on the next party chief) will be held along with state unit leaders according to the regions.
In the last 50 years or so, Congress leaders recall, genuine elections have been held only twice. On both occasions, a person outside the Nehru-Gandhi family was at the helm. In 1992, at the AICC’s plenary session in Tirupati, then Congress president P V Narasimha Rao held elections to the CWC, expecting that his handpicked men would win. After his detractors — most importantly Arjun Singh, but also Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot — were elected, however, Rao got the entire CWC to resign saying no SC, ST, or woman had been elected. He then reconstituted the CWC, and inducted Singh and Pawar in the nominated category. Elections to the CWC were held again in 1997 under Sitaram Kesri at the Calcutta plenary. The counting, party leaders recall, went on until the next day. Among the winners the fierce contest produced were Ahmed Patel, Jitendra Prasada, Madhav Rao Scindia, Tariq Anwar, Pranab Mukherjee, R K Dhawan, Arjun Singh, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Sharad Pawar and Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy. Click here to read more.
The Working Committee is the “highest executive authority” of the Congress, and has the final say in interpreting and applying the provisions of its constitution. According to the Congress constitution, the CWC shall consist of the president of the party, its leader in Parliament, and 23 other members, of whom 12 will be elected by the All India Congress Committee (AICC, the party’s central decision-making assembly), and the rest shall be appointed by the party president. The CWC technically has the power to remove or appoint the party president. The CWC is generally recast after the election or re-election of the Congress president. The CWC can be reconstituted during the AICC’s plenary session that follows the election or re-election, or after the president is authorised by the session to reorganise it. Click here to read more.
“The purpose is how to defang the CWC meeting tomorrow,” a Congress leader told The Indian Express, after Rahul made known his decision at a meeting of country-wide party leaders convened to discuss the Jammu and Kashmir situation and the party’s response. Another leader said the Kashmir meeting was a “ruse” as the idea was to ensure that all of them are in Delhi so that they are available for consultation Saturday. All have been asked to reach the AICC headquarters by 11 AM. Read full copy here.
On the eve of the crucial meeting Friday, Rahul had asked all party chief ministers, state chiefs, MPs and party office bearers to be part of the process of picking his successor. The move is seen as an attempt to ensure that the well-entrenched and powerful Delhi CWC clique does not manage to push a name of their choice. While Mukul Wasnik and Mallikarjun Kharge emerged the frontrunners to head the party, the decision to open up the process has injected an element of uncertainty.
CWC members, including RPN Singh and Motilal Vohra, have begun arriving for the crucial meeting at the AICC headquarters in the national capital.
Rahul Gandhi had announced his decision to step down as party chief at the CWC held on May 25. But three months on, the party is yet to zero in on his successor, who will have the onerous task of resurrecting the grand old party.
The suspense over who will replace Rahul Gandhi as Congress chief is likely to end today as the party is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee at the AICC headquarters in the national capital. While Rahul had announced his decision to step down as Congress president on May 25, the party is yet to zero in on his successor, one who will have the onerous task of resurrecting the grand old party. Stay in tune with all the latest updates here.