NEW DELHI: With the process for the Congress Presidential polls starting, it’s likely that the main contest for the top party post will be between Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

After party leader Sonia Gandhi welcomed "a contest" in their meeting, Shashi Tharoor is preparing to run for the position of Congress president. Ashok Gehlot, the chief minister of Rajasthan, is speculated to be his prospective opponent in this high-stakes race.

According to reports, Sonia had previously asked Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to take the reins of the party, but he was hesitant since he wanted to keep hold of the state and did not want to make room for his rival Sachin Pilot.
Even if Gehlot is adamant that Rahul should lead the party, the central leadership doesn't seem inclined to give in to such a demand. If there is a deadlock, they may have to consider Mukul Wasnik as a possible replacement.

Former party president Rahul Gandhi, who has made it clear that he does not desire to return to the top of the organisation, will take a break from the "Bharat Jodo Yatra" on Friday to be in Delhi, one day before nominations for the presidential race begin.

source said, Rahul is expected to take a flight from Kerala, where the yatra is now taking place, to Delhi on Thursday night and return the following day in the late evening. Rahul won't be able to continue the yatra till he returns, but during his brief visit to Delhi, he's likely to participate in discussions about potential presidential candidates.

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