New Delhi : The Congress is starting its organisational elections from May 15, setting October 30 as the deadline for the process that may be completed with the election of Rahul Gandhi, who turns 47 on June 19, as its new president by October end.
The party decided to hurry up with the internal elections in view of the Election Commission’s warning not to give any further extension beyond December-end as it is already two years late in fulfilling the Congress constitution’s requirement.
Sonia Gandhi (70) has already completed her fourth 5-year term in 2015 and indications are that she may anoint her son to the post as he has already taken over most of her responsibilities though only as the party’s vice-president.
The party had proposed to reduce the tenure of the office-bearers from five to three years, but that requires an AICC to take the decision which is being deferred in view of the start of the internal elections. The party constitution may now be amended in the plenary session after these elections to reduce the tenure of the office-bearers at all levels.
The schedule will be announced soon, the party sources said, adding that the membership drive will be closed on May 15 to kick off the elections.
