Veteran Congress leader Sitaram Kesri was elected provisional President of the Indian National Congress at the party’s Working Committee meeting here tonight, party sources said. Just before the meeting convened, front runner A.K, Anthony told reporters outside the residence of Narasimha Rao, he was not in the running. The four non CWC members who at tended the meeting were Chief Whip Santosh Mohan Dev Pranab Mukherjee, G Venkatswamy and Bhajan Lal. Earlier in the day Congress leaders had hectic consultations on the leadership issue. While the anti-Rao camp met at K. Karunakaran’s residence, Anthony went to see Sonia, Kesri and Rao.
According to highly placed sources, P.V. Narasimha Rao placed his resignation before the CWC at the beginning and re quested the members not to force him to withdraw it. “I have made up my mind. I don’t want to go to the witness box as Congress President,” he was quoted as having said. Sonia Gandhi broke her silence on the leadership issue in the Congress Party when she made it clear to Sitaram Kesri that she did not favor any particular “individual” for the post, as is being speculated in a section of the party and the Press. The treasurer, who was a front runner for the post, was told by Sonia Gandhi that the takeover by the new leaders could be smooth and in the true traditions of the 110 yearold organization. Kesri called Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence on Saturday night and the visit was kepta closely guarded secret. Kesri re called his long association with the Gandhi family since the days of late Jawaharlal Nehru. When contacted today, V. George, private secretary to Sonia Gandhi, confirmed that Kesri had indeed met her. Ostensibly, Kesri had gone to Sonia Gandhi’s residence to seek her support as it was widely believed that she was in favor Kerala chief minister, for the post.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 25, 1996
