NEW DELHI: Shashi Tharoor, the leading candidate for the Congress presidential nomination, claimed on Monday that he and another contender Mallikarjun Kharge had no ideological differences. It should be evident that I concur with @kharge ji that everyone in @incIndia prefers to fight the BJP over one another. We do not disagree on any ideologies. Only the most efficient option is up for our voting colleagues' consideration on October 17, he said. He was reacting to Kharge's assertion that debate should be with the BJP, RSS and not amongst the Congressmen. Shashi Tharoor is Kharge's opponent and has started his campaign for the party elections. On Saturday, Tharoor said he didn't understand why the G-23 leaders, who had previously discussed party polls, were now shifting gears and discussing general consensus. On October 17, there will be a contest between Mallikarjun Kharge and Shashi Tharoor for the position of Congress president. Kharge has the backing of the G-23 leaders in addition to the party's top leadership. Tharoor said at a press conference that elections for the position of Congress president are held after five years. Rahul Gandhi was declared the winner of the most recent election, which took place in 2017. The last election that was actually contested was conducted in 2000, and Sonia Gandhi easily defeated Jitendra Prasada. The Gandhi family has made the decision to not support any candidates this time around. According to Tharoor, both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi believe that election results would strengthen the party, which is very positive. Ashok Gehlot supports Kharge for Congress chief post, says 'Shashi Tharoor is from elite class' Shashi Tharoor on contesting in Election, “ I want to become the voice of Youth” Congress Prez polls: Mallikarjun Kharge quits as RS Leader of Opposition