Rahul takes over as new Congress President

New Delhi Dec 16 (IANS) Rahul Gandhi on Saturday formally took over as the new Congress President assuming the mantle of the country s oldest political party from his mother Sonia Gandhi.

The process of his election as the new Congress chief was completed after the Central Election Authority President Mullapally Ramachandran handed over the Certificate of Election to Rahul Gandhi in a ceremony at the 24 Akbar Road housing the party headquarters. The ceremony was marked by loud celebrations as scorces of Rahul Gandhi supporters danced to upbeat tunes raised slogans burst crackers and distributed sweets outside the party office here. "This is historic. It is also a joyous day for the country and the Congress. It is also emotional " Ramachandran said after he gave Rahul Gandhi the certificate. Gandhi took over the reigns of the party from Sonia Gandhi who has helmed the party for 19 long years. --IANS sar/in