Just in: Sonia Gandhi's tenure as Congress president extended by a year.  the election for the post of the Congress President has been postponed for one year. It will be held next year, in effect giving Sonia Gandhi one years' extension.


The CWC decision means Rahul's formal elevation will not happen this year even though he would become more active in decision-making.


Our sources tell us that there was realisation both among the senior leaders as well the among the Team Rahul to maintain status quo on the top leadership for some more time. The old guard in the Congress are not happy with Rahul's style of functioning and would rather put their weight behind Sonia Gandhi. The move to keep Sonia as Congress president will keep the hostile faction at bay at least for a year and more importantly for the Bihar polls up ahead.

Sonia Gandhi, who took over reigns of Congress in 1998, is the longest serving president of the party till date.