Priyanka is a Vadra; could become Congress pres: party MP

New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not a Gandhi family member but a Vadra, as per Indian tradition, and therefore she is apt to take the presidential post of the Congress party, Congress MP Abdul Khaleque opined on Wednesday.

The MP from Barpeta tweeted, "As Shri Rahul Gandhi is denying to become @INCIndia President again, I consider @priyankagandhi as best candidate."

"Being daughter in law of Vadra family, she is no more member of Gandhi family as per Indian tradition," he said, PTI reported.

Days ago, party leader, as well as Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, said that Rahul Gandhi had told him that the latter respects the party workers' wish that he should become the president, but none from the Gandhi family would take the high seat.

Gehlot had said, "I requested him multiple times. He has clearly said, 'I know, everyone wants me to take it up, PCCs have passed resolutions, the workers want it. I have a lot of respect for them, but due to certain reasons, we have decided that a non-Gandhi family person should become the president."

While senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is all set to contest the organisational poll for the high seat, there is no clarity on who his rival is going to be, particularly the recent turbulence in Rajasthan Congress, and there is an uncertainty prevailing over Ashok Gehlot's candidature.

Meanwhile, the party issued a notification on Saturday that nominations could be filed for elections from September 24 to 30. The nomination paper's scrutiny will be done on October 1, and a final list will be published on the evening of October 8. The last date for nomination withdrawal is also October 8.

Further, the polling, if needed, will take place on October 17, counting October 19, and the result will be declared on 19 too. There will be more than 9,000 Pradesh Congress Committee delegates to cast votes in the poll.