Rival candidate Shashi Tharoor claimed that no party office-bearer is permitted to support any candidate running for the top position in the party, in a subtly critical remark directed at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who recently tweeted in support of veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s candidacy.
At the party office in Bhopal on Thursday, Mr. Tharoor declared, “There are clear orders that no party office-bearer, Chief Minister, or Pradesh Congress Committee chief should support or campaign for any candidate.”
The two candidates for the October 17th Congress presidential election are Shashi Tharoor and Malllikarjun Kharge. Before the important vote, the MP from Kerala went to Bhopal on Thursday to ask regional party leaders and delegates for their support.
According to Mr. Tharoor, the Central Election Authority (CEA), which is in charge of holding impartial elections within the party, must take appropriate steps in response to Mr. Gehlot’s comments.
After Ashok Gehlot posted a video in support of Mallikarjun Kharge on Twitter in the hopes that delegates would choose him as the next party leader, he made his comments shortly after.
Mr. Kharge can engage in communication with all opposition parties because he is connected to party members and leaders and because it is currently necessary. I’m hoping that every delegate will work to ensure Mallikarjun Kharge wins with a substantial margin. ” In a video message sent to his Twitter account, Mr. Gehlot stated.
After Mr. Tharoor complained about an “uneven playing field” as the party chose its first non-Gandhi leader in more than 20 years, Mr. Gehlot posted the video.
He acknowledged that there are elements that “clearly reflect an uneven playing field,” saying that certain leaders had told him they were “under pressure” to support Mr. Kharge.
He also said that state party leaders were “not available” during his campaign for internal elections in many states.
“The PCC (Pradesh Congress Chief), CLP (Congress Legislature Party) officials, and other prominent figures have welcomed Mallikarjun Kharge in numerous locations, sat alongside him, and invited people to attend. For one candidate, all of this occurred, but never for me, “said Mr. Tharoor.
Mr. Tewari, a member of the G-23 group (seeking reforms inside Congress), joined Mr. Gehlot in endorsing Mr. Kharge’s candidacy.
Mallikarjun Kharge can give the party “stability,” according to Manish Tewari, who previously stated that the party needs a “safe pair of hands” and a “calm personality” to lead it.
Ashok Gehlot’s endorsement of Mallikarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor Launches a Silent Attack
