Sonia Gandhi, who had stepped back from party responsibilities, was persuaded to return as its interim chief in August 2019.
The Congress is set to be the first non-Gandhi chief in 20 years as Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor face off in the party's internal election today. While no Gandhi family is contesting the elections, Mr Kharge is seen as an 'approved' candidate.
Here's your 10-point cheatsheet in this big story:
• Both Shashi Tharoor and Mallikarjun Kharge have reiterated the non-participation of the Gandhi family. But Mr Tharoor has pointed to "differences in treatment", "bias" and an "unequal playing field".
He said that when he visited the states for campaigning, the state chiefs were "not available". But at many places the state Congress presidents and the legislature party said, "Welcome Mallikarjun Kharge, sit with him... I am not complaining, but don't you see the difference in treatment?" Mr Tharoor had told reporters.
• Mr. Kharge has announced that he believes in "collective decision-making" and will take the "guidance" of the Gandhi family. "He has done good for this country. His advice will benefit the party... So I will definitely seek his advice and support. There is no shame in that," he said.
• Mr Kharge filed his nomination at the eleventh hour after a scuffle by central leaders after Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot was thrown out of the race.
Mr Gehlot made his announcement a day before the filing of nominations ended. His decision came after a meeting with Sonia Gandhi to prevent her arch rival Sachin Pilot from holding the top post in Rajasthan after an open rebellion by her loyal MLAs.
• Mr Gehlot had initially hoped to hold the state office with the top post in the party, declaring at one point that he could hold "three terms". But after Rahul Gandhi's announcement, he had to drop the idea that the party would follow its "one man one post rule".
• The elections are being held three years after Mr Gandhi stepped down from the top post following the Congress' second straight electoral defeat in 2019. The 52-year-old, who is currently leading the party's "Bharat Jodi" tour, steadfastly refused to return as the President despite constant pressure from a section of leaders.
Sonia Gandhi, who had stepped back from party responsibilities, was persuaded to return as its interim chief in August 2019. But the Congress suffered a defeat in the states, prompting calls for an organizational change from various leaders, who included. The group of 27 to which Shashi Tharoor belonged.
• It's been a long time since the promised election. Meanwhile, a group of senior leaders left for the exit. The list included Ghulam Nabi Azad, Kapil Sibal, Amarinder Singh, Sunil Jakhar, RPN Singh and Ashwini Kumar. Some of those who left claimed that Mr. Gandhi was an informal decision-maker and complained that a circle around him called the shot.
• Over 9,000 State Congress Committee leaders are expected to cast their vote today, which will be the sixth real election in the 137-year-old party since independence. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were elected unopposed in every election
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