The Congress Working Committee on Saturday named UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the party's interim chief after a meeting of its top body here. The move came after Rahul Gandhi once again rejected its unanimous appeal to reconsider his resignation. The CWC arrived at the decision after discussing reports of five groups, formed earlier in the day, and scrutinising the names of Rahul Gandhi's potential successor. Earlier, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi had recused themselves from the process, saying they cannot be part of the consultations as they have been Congress presidents in the past and would not like the opinion of the party leaders to be influenced in any manner.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said several leaders who could not make it to New Delhi have been consulted over phone. The five groups will place their final report before the CWC at 8 pm.
