'Will contest if party wants, won't say no': Ashok Gehlot on Congress prez polls

Pic Credit: File Photo

New Delhi: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that he will not back out if the party wants him to contest the Congress presidential poll. Gehlot, who arrived at the national capital this morning, was interacting with the media.

"I will not back out from any responsibility and will serve the party wherever and in whichever capacity I am required in this hour of crisis," he said. However, he said the party wants Rahul Gandhi to take over as the party president.

If people in the party think I'm needed in the role of party president or CM, then I won't say no....I'll again request Rahul Gandhi (to become Cong pres). If he conducts Bharat Jodo Yatra as party president, then it'll create an aura for the party: A.Gehlot, Rajasthan CM & Cong pic.twitter.com/Jm5m5xBSQS — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2022

Gehlot said that will discharge all the responsibilities given and hinted that he can manage the posts of both --the party chief and chief minister-- simultaneously. The chief minister said that he is not aspiring for any post but wants to work towards ousting the "fascist" (BJP) government.

Kochi | Majority of the states have said that Rahul Gandhi should be the Congress President. Whether he will contest or not is his decision, but one thing is for sure, the party will get a new President on October 17th, when the voting takes place: Congress MP Sachin Pilot pic.twitter.com/YGnW91F1Ge — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2022

Meanwhile, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday arrived at the AICC office to check the delegate list ahead of the notifications of the Congress presidential polls as he braces himself to file nomination papers.

Senior Congress leader & MP Shashi Tharoor reaches the AICC office in Delhi to meet the Central Election Authority members. pic.twitter.com/Es6FUtXjyW — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2022

Tharoor is being seen as a potential candidate from the G-23 group to challenge the loyalist in case of a contest.

Chief Minister Gehlot is likely to meet Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and then expected to join the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" with Rahul Gandhi in Kerala.

"Everybody wants a stronger Congress and all parties must follow a democratic process. The elections in the party are open for all Congress members."

On Tuesday night, Gehlot addressed Rajasthan party MLAs and hinted at his nomination.

He is tipped to be the presidential candidate for the Congress poll.