Sonia Gandhi, who led the Congress part for 19 years, on Saturday passed the baton to his son Rahul. During her emotional farewell speech, the outgoing Congress president was interrupted by noise erupting from incessant fireworks as party workers celebrated Rahul's elevation outside the 24, Akbar Road headquarters.
Sonia Gandhi, who led the Congress part for 19 years, on Saturday passed the baton to his son Rahul. During her emotional farewell speech, the outgoing Congress president was interrupted by noise erupting from incessant fireworks as party workers celebrated Rahul's elevation outside the 24, Akbar Road headquarters.
"Today I am addressing you for the last time as Congress president. A new era, new leadership before you," Sonia Gandhi said.
But she stopped as loud crackers outside the party office drowned her voice. "I can't speak," she said, turning to the dais where senior leaders of the party were seated.
Signalling to the workers to bring down the noise, she said, "I have to shout because of this."
An announcement failed to deter the workers and they continued with the crackers. She resumed after a few minutes even as the noise continued.
Congratulating Rahul on his elevation, she said personal attacks on her son have made him fearless and voiced confidence that the young leadership will infuse new vigour in the party.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi was handed over certificate of election as Congress president.
Sonia Gandhi, who headed the 132-year-old Congress for the last 19 years, also thanked party leaders and workers for the support she received during her tenure as its chief.
Sonia, who has been unwell over the past few year and had virtually handed over the charge of the party to Rahul, said she was proud of her son's endurance and determination.
"Rahul is my son and I don't feel it is appropriate that I praise him but I will definitely say that since childhood he had faced the agony inflicted by violence.
"In his political life, he faced vicious personal attacks which have made him more fearless. I am proud of his endurance and determination. I am fully confident that he will lead the party with courage and dedication," she said.
(With PTI inputs)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "AICC")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}