'One person, one post': Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot have contradictory opinions

As the Congress prepares for a likely contest to the party's top post after decades, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday batted for the "one person one post" concept in line with the reforms decided by the party.

Gandhi's statement comes amid speculations that Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor might throw their hats into the ring and on a day the party issued notification for the AICC presidential polls.

The former Congress president said that 'one person, one post' rule is Congress party's commitment ane he expects that commitment will be maintained.

Gandhi's remark assumes significance as Gehlot, seen as a front runner in the party presidential poll, would reportedly seek to retain his chief ministerial post if he becomes the Congress president.

Following the three-day Udaipur brainstorming session in May, the party had proposed a number of reforms, including limiting one post to one person.

Gandhi, also the MP from Wayanad in Kerala, declined to answer queries on whether he would contest in the presidential polls by saying "I have made my position clear (on that) in the last press conference. I have repeated it several times." Earlier this month, Gandhi had said he has made his decision on whether he will take up party presidency but did not divulge his plans, asserting he will give his reasons if he does not contest the elections for the post.

Gandhi's remarks were seen by many in the party as an indication that he may stick to his earlier stance of not taking up the party chief's post.

On being asked what would be his advise to the presidential post candidates, Gandhi said, "My advise would be that you are taking on a position which is a historic position and it is a position that defines and has defined a particular view of India." "Congress president is not just an organisational post, it is also an ideological position and a belief system.

Therefore, my advise would be that whosoever becomes the Congress president should remember that he represents a set of ideas, a belief system and a vision of India." On the nation-wide raids on the offices and other premises of the Popular Front of India (PFI), Gandhi said all forms of communalism should be combated.

Also Read: 'Will contest if party wants me to': Ashok Gehlot clears air on running for Congress president