Gehlot not to run for Cong presidency

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday announced he will not contest for the post of Congress President.

Gehlot, who was the front runner in the race before a rebellion by his supporters in Rajasthan, said he apologized to Sonia Gandhi that he could not get a resolution passed despite being the Chief Minister.

“I have been a loyal soldier of Congress for 50 years…,” Gehlot said, adding that he became the Chief Minister of Rajasthan thrice with the blessings of Sonia Gandhi.

“The incident that happened two days ago has shaken everyone. I am saddened with what happened. It gave an impression I am unwilling to let go of the Chief Minister’s chair,” he said.

“I expressed my regret to Sonia Gandhi that the resolution could not be passed.”

Asked if he will fight the election for Congress President, Gehlot said: “In this situation, I will not contest the Congress presidential elections.”

Congress leader Digvijay Singh and Shashi Tharoor are likely to file nominations for the elections on Friday, the last day for filing nominations.

Another Congress leader from Jharkhand. K N Tripathi has also collected the nomination form and said he will file the papers on Friday.

September 30 is the last day for filing nominations. The nominations can be withdrawn till 3 pm on October 8, and the first list of candidates will be published the same day.

If there are more than one candidate, the election will be held on October 17 and counting will be held on October 19.