Team News Riveting
New Delhi, September 28
In a new turn to the political development unfolding in Congress party over proposed party president poll, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh is arriving in New Delhi tonight.
Singh, who is currently part of Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi, has been asked to immediately reach the national capital. The other aspirant for the Congress chief and Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot is already in New Delhi. He is scheduled to meet with Sonia Gandhi tonight.
With Gehlot reluctant to leave the state for the Centre, the Congress managers appear to be gearing for plan B. According to Congress insiders, Digvijaya Singh will meet with party president Sonia Gandhi and can file his nominations for the party chief election to avoid the current embarrassment. No official face has emerged while just two more days left to file the papers.
The process of nominations ends on September 30 with only Shashi Tharoor in the race so far. Tharoor will file his papers on September 30.
Though Sonia is upset with the Rajasthan MLAs revolt for Gehlot that has left her and party in an awkward position, she is still batting for Gehlot. Sources said during her meeting with Gehlot, she will try to convince Gehlot to take over the AICC chief’s post and let the chief minister issue be decided by her later.
In case Gehlot continues to be firm on his stand, Digvijaya could be Sonia’s second choice. The Gandhis know Digvijaya will be as formidable a candidate against Tharoor as Gehlot. Both sing the “loyalty tune” and are indeed part of the inner circle at this critical juncture.
The former Madhya Pradesh chief minister also has an advantage. While Gehlot is uncompromising on Rajasthan politics, Digvijaya comes without any preconditions.
