Sonia Gandhi: Mallikarjun Kharge Will Inspire The Party As President

New Delhi: Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday congratulated Mallikarjun Kharge, who took over as a party chief, and said that he would inspire the party as President

"I extend my heartiest congratulations to the newly elected president Mallikarjun Kharge. Change is the rule of the world... Congress had faced a lot of difficulties earlier as well. But I am sure we will overcome the problems," said the outgoing Congress president.

Veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge officially took charge as the party president at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in the national capital today.

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Lauding Kharge, Sonia Gandhi said she is satisfied that the President whom the party have chosen is an experienced leader and a leader connected to the earth.

"I have full faith that Kharge ji will inspire the entire party. Congress will be strengthened under his leadership. I am very happy and the most satisfaction is that the president whom you have chosen at your own discretion, is an experienced leader, a leader connected to the earth, who has reached this height from an ordinary worker with his hard work and dedication," says Sonia Gandhi at the presentation," she said.

Thanking all the party leaders and workers, she said that it is a matter of pride for her that she received love and respect for so many years."It is a matter of pride for me that you have showered love and respect for so many years. I will feel this till the last breath of my life," Sonia Gandhi added.

"Congress presidency was a huge responsibility and I tried to discharge to my duties with sincerity and to the best of my ability. Feeling relieved as will be free from this responsibility," said Sonia Gandhi.

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Congress Central Election Authority chairman Madhusudan Mistry handed over the certificate of election to the top post and said that he hopes that other parties will draw a lesson from the Congress and hold polls for party presidency by secret ballot.

"I hope other parties draw a lesson from the Congress and hold polls for the presidency by secret ballot," said Mistry.

Sonia Gandhi, MP Rahul Gandhi and party's General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with other senior leaders and MPs were present on the occasion. (with ANI inputs)

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• #Outgoing Congress president
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• #Mallikarjun Kharge
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• #Priyanka Gandhi Vadra