Sonia Gandhi to remain Congress president, decide party leaders after 4-hour meet on polls debacle

Days after its election debacle in five states, the Congress' top decision-making body on Sunday unanimously decided that party president Sonia Gandhi will continue as interim chief till the organisational polls are held and urged her to effect immediate corrective changes to meet the political challenges. During the nearly five-hour-long meeting of the Congress Working Committee, party chief Sonia Gandhi said she was ready to make "any and every sacrifice" that the party workers and the CWC wish, after which the CWC reposed full faith in her, according to some party leaders who participated in the deliberations. The Congress will hold a 'Chintan Shivir (brainstorming session)' after the Budget Session of Parliament and the CWC will meet again before that. The session is scheduled to end on April 8. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot suggested that the 'Chintan Shivir be held in his state. Sonia Gandhi listened to all leaders at the CWC meet and said she is willing to make required changes to strengthen the party.

Sonia Gandhi, who took over the reins of the party again as interim president, had also offered to quit in August 2020 after strong criticism by a section of leaders, referred to as G-23, but the CWC had urged her to continue.

Latest India News