The Congress party is all geared up to welcome Rahul Gandhi as its 87th president on Saturday, marking a generational shift at the helm of India's oldest political party. Mr. Gandhi is set to take over the baton from his mother Sonia Gandhi, who, at 70, is its longest serving chief.
Ms. Gandhi has indicated that she is ready to retire even as the party spokesperson clarified that her remark was in reference to the post, not politics as a whole.
Editorial: Born to rule — On Rahul Gandhi's elevation
Mr. Gandhi, 47, who had taken over as the party vice-president in January 2013, was elected unopposed as the party president on December 11.
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Congress will meet any challenge with love and affection: Rahul
"Like many Indians across the country, I am an idealist," begins Mr. Rahul Gandhi in English. "But many of us are disillusioned today with what we see in politics today. It is devoid of kindness and truth. Today politics is used to crush people, not lift them. Politics belongs to the people.
"The moment you challenge the structure of power to stand with the power, you are attacked. To weaken you, they lie and distort. The Congress had taken the country to the 21st century but our Prime Minister is taking us back. We are now being told only one man is the voice of reason - that everything is subservient to him. Our foreign policy is in tatters so that one man can be strong.
Rahul Gandhi speaks at the ceremony.
"They want to weaken us but they can do that only if we back down. Stand up to them. We at the Congress promise that we will defend the voice of every Indian. We will never allow to silence the voice of every Indian. I want the Congress party to become an instrument of dialogue for all Indians.
"I'd like to speak a bit in Hindi now," he says before switching to Hindi as the uncharacteristically silent crowd begins to cheer. Once you start a fire, it is very difficult to contain, he says, pointing at the firecrackers outside. This is what we have been trying to explain to the BJP, he adds.
I want to tell every Congress worker this - you are my family, says Mr. Gandhi, before adding that he invites the youth to come forth and build an India with love and kindness. My responsibility is to protect your voice, he says.
Switching to English, he continues. "Congress is an ancient idea. BJP would like you to believe their idea is the oldest, this is not true. We consider the BJP our brothers and sisters, though we don't agree with them. We do not fight hate with hate. They crush voices, but we allow the most vulnerable to sing. Congress has always and will always meet any challenge with love and affection. It is with utmost humility that I accept this position."
The ceremony winds up with the National Anthem.
"Our government represented every section," says Sonia Gandhi
"Twenty years ago when you elected me and I was addressing you, I was nervous and scared. How would I handle this institution?, I wondered. Until then my relation to politics was a personal one because of my marriage with Rajiv ji," says Sonia Gandhi.
Reminiscing the old days, Ms. Gandhi says that she married into a "revolutionary" family. "Indira ji sacrificed family for nation. She taught me the basic values that made the Constitution. When she was assassinated, I felt like my mother was gone. Those days I wanted to keep my husband and children away from politics. My husband was given the onerous responsibility to lead the nation. But then, my husband was killed and I lost my anchor - it took me time to stabilize after that."
But then when I saw the Congress becoming weak, I took up the responsibility, she says. "I thought that may Indira ji and my husband would have felt bad if I did not do so. When I took over, we had 3 States and was far away from Centre. Whatever we have achieved, it was not the work of one person but the effort of all of you. We went on to form State government in over two dozen States - we did exemplary work.
Sonia Gandhi speaks at the ceremony.
"Dr. Singh did great work and our government represented every section and worked for every section. Since 2014, we are again in the opposition and there are huge challenges before us. We won't get scared and won't bow down...we won't back off from protecting the values of the Constitution. Power is not our aim but the country is our aim.
"These days, every day there is an assault on the fundamental values, an assault on free speech, an atmosphere of fear... Congress needs to introspect. If we don't do that, we can't represent the 'aam aadmi'.
"India is a country of youth. I am sure we will have a new energy.
"Rahul is my son and not proper for me to praise him. But I have to say, from his childhood, he has faced the brunt of violence and since he came into politics he has been facing vicious personal attacks too. I am proud of his patience and I am sure he will lead you with pride and intelligence.
"Twenty years is like a lifetime. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and affection. Jai Hind.
Rahul Gandhi hugs his mother as she completes her speech and hands over the stage to him.
Firecrackers interrupt Sonia Gandhi's address
Before I start my address, I congratulate & bless Rahul Ji for taking charge as Congress President, says Sonia Gandhi
Ms. Gandhi's, chokes up a little. She pauses as the fireworks go off non-stop. Janardan Dwivedi appeals to the party members to pause the firecrackers so that Ms. Gandhi can resume her speech.
"Twenty years ago, when you elected me as President," she begins, even as the crackers continue. "I can't shout as my voices goes," she says, visibly disturbed as Rahul Gandhi pacifies her saying it'll stop in five minutes. She pauses for the crackers to subside.
Memento for Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi is presented with a memento and a shawl - Dr. Singh presents the memento and Moti Lal Vohra presents the shawl.
Fireworks go off as she speaks for the final time as the Congress President.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives for the ceremony
This is a 'historic' occasion, says Manmohan Singh
Former Prime Minister and senior Congress leader Dr. Manmohan Singh calls it a unique and historic occasion. "I can't help getting emotional', he adds.
"As the Prime Minister for 10 years, I had the privilege of the guidance of Sonia Gandhi and we took some historic decisions.The average growth rate was 7.8% per annum... we lifted 140 million from poverty," he says. "I salute Soniaji for the magnificent leadership she has provided through the years."
"Rahul just has been trained for a long period and brings to this office a new sense of dedication and commitment, with courage and humility", Mr. Singh says.
Manmohan Singh speaks at the ceremony
"He is taking over at a time when there are disturbing trends in our politics. An academic said that the politics of fear will take over politics of hope. Rahul ji, we depend on you to keep the politics of hope. Our party will scale new heights and may your path be blessed", he adds.
Rahul Gandhi is the new Congress President
Head of Central Election Authority Mullapally Ramachandran hands over the Certificate of Election to the newly-elected president of Congress. He says Mr. Gandhi has his best guide to face challenges and convert into the opportunity.
Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi at Mr. Gandhi's swearing in ceremony.
Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi arrive for the ceremony
Dr. Manmohan Singh arrives on stage. Ms. Sonia Gandhi and Mr. Gandhi arrive together for the swearing in ceremony.
Scene outside Congress headquarters as Rahul Gandhi is set to take over as the party President.
Manmohan Singh expected to accompany Rahul Gandhi
Mr. Gandhi's elevation will be completed after the Central Election Authority President hands over the Certificate of Election to him.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi are expected to accompany him to the function. Other guests include Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Robert Vadra and senior party leaders Sushil Kumar Shinde, P Chidamabaram, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Kapil Sibal and Ashok Gehlot.
Among young leaders Milind Deora, Sachin Pilot and Jyotiraditya Scindia present.
