Congress' change of guard? Party veterans bless Rahul Gandhi

Marking a generational shift, Rahul Gandhi is all set to take over as Congress President next week. (Photo courtesy PTI; Text courtesy IANS)

He was the only candidate to file nominations before deadline expired on Monday (December 4). (PTI photo)

The 47-year-old Gandhi, who will be the sixth Nehru-Gandhi scion to helm the party, filed papers at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi amid cheers and celebrations by party leaders and workers. (PTI photo)

His mother and incumbent party President Sonia Gandhi signed the first nomination paper for election of her son. (PTI photo)

Among the proposers of 89 nominations -- all in support of Gandhi -- was former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who called Rahul Gandhi the "darling" of the party. (Photo tweeted by @rssurjewala)

Rahul Gandhi also called on former President Pranab Mukherjee, who applied tilak mark on his head as a way of blessing. (PTI Photo)

A large crowd of party workers were seen requesting the guards for a chance to meet their leader as he made his much-awaited move. (PTI Photo)

The last date for withdrawal is December 11 when he may be declared elected since there is no contest. Scrutiny of the nomination will take place on Tuesday (December 5). (IANS Photo)