Pawar, Pilot complain of rigging in Congress poll

Tara Shankar Sahay in New Delhi

Congress presidential candidates Sharad Pawar and Rajesh Pilot complained of rigging in Monday's party poll.

Oscar Fernandes, the returning officer for the poll, said the complaints would be looked into by the relevant authorities, providing there was substantiation of the charges.

The complaints of widespread rigging in the poll indicated that the duo had virtually thrown in the towel as the incumbent, Congress chief Sitaram Kesri, headed for victory.

Fernandes said there had been a few complaints from some states about unfair means in the conduct of the poll, and added they would be looked into provided there was satisfactory substantiation of the charges.

He pointed out that in a few states like Bihar, he had received complaints even before the start of the poll that there was going to be widespread rigging.

Even as the poll ended, there was jubilation in the Kesri camp. The Congress leader's supporters warned of retribution against the "disloyalty" of Pawar and Pilot.

Kesri himself took a conciliatory line, and contended that both his challengers were "good friends". Asked whether the duo would remain members of the Congress Working Committee. he said it would be possible if the duo were elected to the CWC.