Rahul Gandhi files nomination for Congress president, Amarinder Singh says 'will make very good prime minister'
Rahul Gandhi
The Congress vice-president?is likely to step into the shoes of his mother Sonia Gandhi who who has been holding the post pf Congress president for nearly two decades
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination for the post of the party's president today morning.
The Congress vice-presidentis likely to step into the shoes of his mother Sonia Gandhi who who has been holding the post of Congress president for nearly two decades.
Today is the last day for the filing of nominations, the process for which began on Friday. Rahul is expected to run unopposed for the post of the party chief. However, the news can only be confirmed oncethe names of contenders are published on Tuesdayafter scrutiny of nominations.
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh said he thought Rahul Gandhi would make a "very good prime minister".
"If you ask me, I think he will make a very good Prime Minister,"Captain Amarinder Singh told ANI.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was equally effusive in his praise, calling Rahul Gandhi the "darling of the Congress".
"Rahul Gandhi is a darling of the Congress and he will carry forward the great traditions of the party," the former prime minister said.
Rahul's nomination comes amid a much-publicised discord.
Former Maharashtra Congress secretaryShehzad Poonawallatoday called the election an eyewash.
"My sources are telling me that there is talk among the courtiers that a dummy candidate should be brought in so that this looks like an election. However, now they cannot throw dust in the eyes of the people," he said.
Shehzad Poonawalla had recently alleged that the party's presidential elections were rigged.
He hadsaid that they are a "selection", not an "election" and claimed that he has information that the delegates who will vote in the election for the post of party president had been appointed for their loyalty.
On November 20, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) passed a resolution to make Rahul Gandhi the Congress party president.
The party has set December 16 as the date of polls -- "if necessary". That is if there is any candidate other than Gandhi.
The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on December 19.
If there is no candidate other than Rahul Gandhi, the Congress will declare him president of the party on the last date of scrutiny.
(With inputs from ANI)