Journalism of Courage
Premium
Congress president polls: Digvijaya Singh collects nomination forms, confirms he is contesting for chief’s post
"I am here to collect the nomination forms and possibly file the papers tomorrow," Congress leader Digvijaya Singh told reporters, confirming that he is throwing his hat in the ring in the race for the post of Congress Chief.
Ending days of speculation ahead of the Congress’ upcoming presidential polls, veteran party leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh arrived at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday morning to collect his nomination papers.
You need a subscription to read this story. Republic Day Sale: Annual pack at Rs 999
Already a subscriber? Sign In
This content is exclusive for our subscribers.
Subscribe to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.
“I am here to collect the nomination forms and possibly file the papers tomorrow,” he told reporters, confirming that he is throwing his hat in the ring in the race for the post of Congress Chief.
The veteran party leader on Wednesday signalled his intention to contest. Some party leaders believe the move is an attempt to pressure Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also contesting, to accept the leadership’s wish that he contest for the top post and leave the decision on his successor in the state to the Gandhis. The development comes amid a standoff between the party and Gehlot in Rajasthan.
Before arriving in the National capital, the former Madhya Pradesh CM was in Kerala with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Speaking to ANI, Digvijaya Singh said, “I’m here to file (nomination) form, and then I’ll return to join Bharat Jodo Yatra. Every PCC delegate has the right to contest president elections.” Singh added that he did not discuss his nomination with the “Nehru-Gandhi family. I met many senior leaders incl AK Antony, Kharge Ji.”
Subscriber Only Stories
Singh said, “The Nehru-Gandhi family will remain our leader. Whoever becomes the party president will work under their leadership…Our priority is to see how the situation in the country improves, won’t let the country divide or the constitution weaken.”
Singh will also be contesting against Shashi Tharoor. While the final date for filing nominations is September 30, the election is scheduled to take place on October 17.