Congress president election: It’s Ashok Gehlot vs Shashi Tharoor?

New Delhi: Congress said anyone is free to fight Congress presidential polls, after reports surfaced that the Congress President Sonia Gandhi has given a nod to Shashi Tharoor to contest.

Reports on Monday said Tharoor asked the Congress President if he should contest the polls, to which she replied everyone is free to contest the election.

Party's General Secretary Communication Jairam Ramesh in a statement said:, "Anybody who wants to contest is free and welcome to do so."

"This has been the consistent position of Congress President and Shri Rahul Gandhi. This is an open, democratic and transparent process. Nobody needs anybody's nod to contest," he said.

Several Congress leaders met Sonia Gandhi on Monday, who has returned after a tour abroad. Tharoor also met the Congress chief, and during his meeting the topic of the presidential poll was also mentioned.

According to sources, Sonia Gandhi told the leader that all eligible members can fight the election, and the party is not backing anyone.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is presently undertaking Bharat Jodo Yatra, is not keen on returning as the party president. This is even as several party members, and state units have urged hin to take the too party post.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is likely to be a contender for the top party post.

Nomination for Congress presidential polls have to be filed between September 24 and 30. If there are more than one candidates, election will be held on October 17 and the results will be declared two days later.

Last time there was a contest for the top Congress post was in 2000, when veteran Jitendra Prasada lost to Sonia Gandhi. (UNI)