Sonia to name AICC office-bearers

Rahul Gandhi is expected to make it to the CWC, though opinion is divided among Sonia’s advisors on his appointment as a general secretary.

While some see wisdom in Rahul’s gaining organisational experience, others disfavour his exposure to a general election so soon.

‘‘There have been strong representations from AICC members from all states asserting their democratic right to request Soniaji to nominate even elected component of the CWC,’’ said party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi.

The AICC members, in their representations to Oscar Fernandes, chairman of the Central Election Authority of the party, had not only ‘‘spontaneously asserted their complete faith in the party chief, but also made a conscious choice so that the democratic majority prevails,’’ he added.

Singhvi was faced with the difficult task of reconciling Sonia’s stated ‘‘preference’’ for election with nominations dictated by expediency.

While speaking to the media on the sidelines of party chief ministers’ conference at Chandigarh on October 8, Sonia had expressed her ‘‘natural preference’’ for the democratic process.

Singhvi, however, said most of these representations have been received after the chief ministers’ conclave. ‘‘We are at the crossroads of a somewhat difficult decision,’’ he said.

With Manmohan Singh holding the post of the prime minister, the CWC would have him as an ex-officio member.

The Congress constitution provides for the election of 12 of the 23 members, while the rest have to be nominated by the party president. Party sources indicated that Sonia may keep some slots vacant to keep hope alive among those who get left out.