Rahul Gandhi quits, asks for a successor

New Delhi: More than a month after declaring his intention, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday formally resigned as Congress president, saying he is responsible for the loss in the Lok Sabha election and accountability is critical for the party's future growth. In a four-page open letter, Gandhi urged the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to entrust a group of people with the task of finding a new president as it would not be proper for him to do so.

Top Congress said that Rahul Gandhi continues to be Congress president till his resignation is accepted by the CWC and a new chief is appointed after due process. The sources also said that speculation that Motilal Vora would be appointed as interim party president is incorrect.

The 49-year-old -- who has been adamant on his decision to quit as party president since May 25, two days after the results in which his party won 52 seats -- also stressed on the need for the Congress to "radically transform itself".

Heralding what could be a new era in his party, Gandhi said it had been a honour to serve the Congress, whose values and ideals have served as the lifeblood of "this beautiful nation". In a letter that was emotive in places and combative in others, he said he owed the country and his organisation a debt of tremendous gratitude and love.