Srinagar,26-Oct; Veteran leader Mallikarjun Kharge formally took over as Congress president on Wednesday, after he was handed over the certificate of election to the top post at a function at the AICC headquarters here.kharge, the first non-Gandhi to head the party in 24 years, had defeated Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor in a direct contest for the president’s post in the grand old party after the Gandhis opted out of the race.Ahead of his official takeover as the Congress president on Wednesday, Kharge paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at the Rajghat, and also visited the Samta Sthal and Shakti Sthal.Addressing party workers as the chief for the first time, Kharge said, “It’s an emotional moment for me as the son of a labourer, a common Congress worker, has taken over as chief of the Congress party. I thank you all for this honour.”“I started this journey in 1969 as a block committee chief today you have taken it such heights. It’s my privilege and pride to take forward the legacy of Congress, a party which has been guided by the likes of Mahatama Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru,” Kharge said.Congratulating Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi said, “Congress presidency was a huge responsibility. I tried to discharge to my duties with sincerity.” She added. “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’m sure we will overcome the problems.
