New Delhi: Mallikarjun Kharge, the first non-Gandhi president of the Congress in over 20 years, said the organisational elections have "strengthened the party" and that he would "live up to your expectations".
"Today when democracy is in peril, the constitution is under attack, at this time, the Congress, by holding organisational elections at the national level, has worked to strengthen democracy," he said, in a short address to reporters after the declaration of the results.
Mr Kharge also said he would work together with Shashi Tharoor, who was his opponent in the party's internal elections held on Monday. "I thank Tharoor… I wish him well. He contested against me and met me and we discussed how to take the party forward and work together," he said.
The 80-year-old Gandhi family loyalist won the contest against Mr Tharoor, polling 84 per cent of the votes as the Congress opted for familiarity and status quo. Mr Tharoor, who pitched for change, ended up with 16 per cent of the votes.
Mr Kharge expressed gratitude to Sonia Gandhi – the party's interim chief -- and Rahul Gandhi, who is currently leading the party's Bharat Jodo Yatra.
"Rahul called me and wished me well and said he is a soldier of the party and will work for the party... I thank Sonia Gandhi – for her personal sacrifice… Under her leadership, we formed government the Centre twice. We were strong in the states as well. Her role will be remembered," he said.
The Gandhis had stayed away from the election. But as the trends became clear, Sonia Gandhi – in a departure for norm -- visited Mr Kharge, who was initially expected to visit her at her 10 Janpath Road residence.
Rahul Gandhi also dialled the new chief, saying he would report to him.