New Delhi: Ending speculations over his decision to discontinue as head of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that he is no longer the party president and added that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) should convene at the earliest to choose new president.
"I have already submitted my resignation and I am no longer the party president. Congress Working Committee should convene a meeting at the earliest. Party should decide on the new president quickly without further delay, I am nowhere in this process", said Mr Gandhi while talking to reporters at Parliament.
He had offered his resignation on May 25 at the meeting of the party's highest decision making body, the CWC, after taking responsibility of Congress's dismal performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls.
Mr Gandhi's statement comes after senior party leaders, including Chief Minister's of Congress-ruled states had requested him to continue in the top post.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Beghal and Puthucherry Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy had met Mr Gandhi and requested to take back his resignation.
"We hope Mr Gandhi will take right decision", they had said after the meeting.
Earlier, the CWC had also rejected his resignation and asked him restructure the party, Mr Gandhi had, however, insisted that he will not continue as party president.
More than 200 party workers, including AICC leaders, had also resigned from their party position in solidarity with Mr Gandhi.
According to sources, top leaders of the party is in a hurry to make arrangements, including appoint a new president, after Mr Gandhi had stressed that he will not alter his decision.(UNI)