New Delhi: In a significant development, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) today appointed Sonia Gandhi as interim president of the grand old party of India.
The CWC met for the second time today evening to take a final call on the new party president after a number of leaders, including state chiefs and MPs, urged Rahul Gandhi to continue on the post despite his refusal to reconsider his resignation.
The CWC said all the leaders present in the meeting requested Rahul Gandhi to continue as the party chief.
However, since he refused, Sonia Gandhi was requested to take over as interim president.
The CWC has expressed 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. 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, a statement issued by the Congress said.
“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”.
“Rahul Gandhi gave a new sense of aggression and modernity to the party organization and opened up numerous opportunities to the younger generation. He inspired every Congress worker through his never-say-die attitude and earned their admiration and respect. He emerged as a beacon of hope for the very large number of people who cherish the idea of India on which our freedom movement and the Constitution was anchored. He came to be seen as a bulwark against the forces of hate, prejudice, bigotry, intolerance and divisiveness”, it added.