Former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor on Monday received the nod from Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi to run for the post of the party president, ANI reported. Tharoor, who was among the group of 23 leaders who had written to Gandhi in 2020 demanding organisational overhaul, met the Congress chief at her residence earlier in the day.
In his meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Tharoor said he could make internal democracy stronger, ANI reported.
"Anybody who wants to contest is free and welcome to do so. This has been the consistent position of Congress President and Shri Rahul Gandhi. This is an open, democratic and transparent process. Nobody needs anybody's nod to contest," AICC general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said.
The development comes amid growing clamour within the Congress to make Rahul Gandhi president of the party again. About half a dozen state units have sought his elevation to the top post. However, there is still a cloud of uncertainty and suspense whether Rahul would take on the mantle.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is also being seen as a front-runner in some sections of the party for the post of Congress president.
Rahul Gandhi was elevated as the Congress president in 2017. Gandhi, however, stepped down in 2019 after the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier this month, Rahul Gandhi said he had made his decision on whether he would take up the party presidency but did not divulge his plans. He even asserted that he would give his reasons if he did not contest the election.
The process for filing of nominations for the election will be held from September 24 to 30. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 8 and the election, if required, will be held on October 17. The results will be out on October 19.
Earlier in the day, Tharoor endorsed a petition by a group of young party members seeking "constructive reforms" in Congress.
The petition shared by Tharoor on Twitter sought reforms and a pledge by AICC president candidates to implement the Udaipur Declaration in entirety if elected.
"I welcome this petition that is being circulated by a group of young @INCIndia members, seeking constructive reforms in the Party. It has gathered over 650 signatures so far. I am happy to endorse it & to go beyond it," Tharoor tweeted.
As per the Congress's Udaipur Declaration, "no person should hold one party position for more than five years to give opportunity to new people". Further, the Congress party will enforce '1 person, 1 post', '1 family, 1 ticket' rules with riders and ticket for second family member only after 5 years of party work.