Former Congressman Ashwani Kumar claims that Sonia Gandhi’s unannounced pick was Mallikarjun Kharge.

Shashi Tharoor is commended by the former union minister for accepting the challenge to run for the top Congress position.

According to former Congressman Ashwani Kumar, Sonia Gandhi holds the last say in the internal politics of the group as seen by the overwhelming victory Mallikarjun Kharge received in his election as party president.

Mr. Kumar stated on October 19, 2022 that she is likely to demand such regard as long as she remains active in the party in whatever form. He claimed that this is because party members still feel a sense of personal allegiance to her, which extends to the family.