NEW DELHI: Shashi Tharoor MP and Mallikarjun Kharge, opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha, filed their nominations today, the last day of filing the papers for the post of congress chief. Tharoor was accompanied by his activists. Senior leaders accompanied Kharge to file his nomination papers. Former Jharkhand minister K N Tripathi also filed the nominations.

G 23 leaders announced their support to Kharge. Meantime, Tharoor said the contest is to strengthen the party. The party will strengthen the grassroots.

Tharoor also stated in the manifesto that he will ensure the participation of youth and women in the party. Tharoor said he has his own vision for the party which will be shared with the delegates. He said victory or defeat is not an issue. Both filed their nominations at the election authority office in AICC headquarters.

Meanwhile, Digvijay Singh, who was in the fray, withdrew at the last minute. Digvijay Singh withdrew after declaring support for Kharge, the high command candidate.

The final list of the contestants will be released on October 8. Elections will be held on October 17 and the results would be announced on October 19.