Cong reviews progress of organisational elections

The central election authority (CEA) of the Congress today held a review meeting with Pradesh returning officials (PROs) here on organisational polls at the conclusion of which Rahul Gandhi is likely to be elevated as party president.
According to party sources, the authority sought reports of booth, block and district-level organisational elections held till now from the PROs. The next level of the election-- to the party's state units, is scheduled to be held before October 10, the sources said.
The conclusion of the Pradesh Congress Committee polls will be followed by the process of filing nomination for the election to the party president's post.

Sources, however, maintained Gandhi's election, if he files the nomination, is a "foregone conclusion" as no other contender is likely to join the fray.
"It is a foregone conclusion that the process will see Rahulji's elevation. But we have to go by the schedule worked out and wait till the elections are over. The feeling in the party is that it is likely to go into the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls under his leadership," the source added.
Speaking to PTI a few days ago, Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot had said Gandhi may take over as the party president after Diwali and that the time was ripe come for him to "lead from the front".

"Reports of organisational polls held till the district- level were sought during today's meeting. The progress of party membership drive too was discussed," a source said.
Another source said the process of organisational polls was continuing according to the schedule worked out by the party.
The Election Commission had set December-end deadline for the Congress to conclude the exercise. The All India Congress Committee, however, plans to complete the process by the end of this month itself.