Shankarsinh Vaghela new Cong Legislature Party leader

, Jan 23: Former

chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela, who won from Kapadvanj in the December assembly elections, was on Tuesday appointed the leader of the

Legislature Party (CLP). Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) president Arjun Modhwadia sources said a communiqué in this regard reached him after 10 pm.

Earlier in the day, a meeting was held between all 59 Congress MLAs of the state in Gandhinagar and central party observers Sheila Dikshit, the chief minister of Delhi and the party's Gujarat in-charge and general secretary Mohan Prakash were present on the occasion.

The Congress MLAs authorised Congress president Sonia Gandhi to take a final call on the candidate for the post, which was previously held by Shaktisinh Gohil. Dikshit talked to each of the MLAs over the CLP leader and later told the media that she would submit her report to the party high command and the latter would appoint the man.

Vaghela was a top contender for the CLP leader's post. Vitthal Radadiya and Mohansinh Rathwa were among others who had staked a claim to the post. Vaghela's son Mahendrasinh said his father is ready for whatever responsibility is given to him by the party.

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