Ajay Maken has not resigned as Delhi party chief: Congress

The Congress on Tuesday clarified that Delhi Pradesh Congress committee chief Ajay Maken had not resigned from his post. The party in a statement said, "Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken has not resigned. He has some health issues and has gone for a check-up. He will be back soon. He had recently met party President Rahul Gandhi and party incharge of Delhi affairs PC Chacko." PC Chako said that once Maken is back in India, they will like to design a working -arrangement so that the Congress leader can continue to be the Delhi party president. However he categorically denied that Maken has resigned. 

Earlier, rumours of Maken's resignation did the rounds. Reports had said that he had sent his resignation to Congress high command on September 13. The soft-spoken leader has cited ill health as reason behind his sudden decision. 

Maken is currently abroad for treatment. He has been a two-times MP and three times MLA and has served in the Manmohan Singh's cabinet. His resignation is yet to be accepted. Maken took over as Delhi Congress chief three years back. He earlier had resigned in 2017 after poor performance of Congress in Delhi civic polls. However, then Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi convinced him to stay in his post. 

Ajay Maken has been strident in his opposition against any possible alliance with AAP in the capital. It will be interesting to see if Congress has a rethink about their capital strategy.