Divided UP Cong leaves it to Sonia

The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) on Monday authorised party president Sonia Gandhi to choose its next chief and other office bearers.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) on Monday authorised party president Sonia Gandhi to choose its next chief and other office bearers.

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“Sonia Gandhi will announce the new state team as soon as possible,” said state Congress in-charge Digvijaya Singh. Gandhi was recently elected Congress president for a record fourth term.

The decision was taken during a meeting of 867 UPCC delegates who had assembled at the party headquarters here to elect the new president. Congress MPs from the state also attended the meeting.

However, the delegates were sharply divided between incumbent Rita Bahuguna Joshi and Congress Legislature Party leader Pramod Tiwari.

Instead of going for direct election, the delegates adopted a resolution authorising Gandhi to appoint the next party chief.

State election in charge Pawan Singh Ghatowar said the meeting was “peaceful and disciplined”.

“Since Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi belong to Uttar Pradesh, they will decide the issue in the larger interest of the party,” Ghatowar said. Gandhi represents Rae Bareli nd Rahul represents Amethi in Parliament.

While Bahuguna refused to comment on the next president, Tiwari said, “I will be acceptable to Ritaji and she will be acceptable to me.”