Congress president election Highlights: Mallikarjun Kharge is new party chief, Shashi Tharoor concedes defeat

Thank you for joining our coverage of the Congress elections. We will now wrap the blog. Good night.

Proud moment for state: Karnataka Congress on Kharge's win

Congress leaders and workers on Wednesday termed veteran Mallikarjun Kharge's victory in the party presidential election as a proud moment for Karnataka. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah said Kharge's experience and insights will take Congress in the right direction. "Heartiest congratulations to newly elected @INCIndia President Shri Mallikarjun @kharge. His experience, commitment & insights will drive Congress in the right direction. It is a proud moment for all Kannadigas. #AICCPresidentElection," Siddaramaiah tweeted. Congress state president D K Shivakumar too echoed similar sentiments.

Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot meet Kharge in Delhi separately, congratulate him on election as party chief

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his former deputy Sachin Pilot and other leaders from the state congratulated Mallikarjun Kharge on being elected as the president of the Congress party. Gehlot, Pilot and Mahesh Joshi, the Congress chief whip in the state Assembly, separately met Kharge in Delhi after his victory.

 In election of this nature, there were bound to be glitches: Tharoor

Looking forward to working with Kharge: Pawar

Kharge will consult everyone, give preference to party workers, says his son

Priyank Kharge on Wednesday said his father Mallikarjun Kharge, who was elected as the Congress President, will strengthen the outfit by consulting everyone and give preference to the party workers. Addressing reporters in New Delhi, the Congress MLA said, "We have to build the party at the grassroots level, encourage our cadre and have to work beyond our capacities to ensure that the governments are formed in various states. Challenges are very clear and his directions are very clear. The process of building the party will be consultative and the workers will get the preference." Priyank Kharge was replying to a query on the challenges before the new party President in the context of the crucial Assembly elections in Karnataka, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

I want to congratulate my partner Shashi Tharoor as well. I met him and discussed how to take the party forward: Mallikarjun Kharge. 

We all have to fight together against those who are attacking the democratic institution, says Mallikarjun Kharge. 

Today, the entire country is getting together for the Bharat Jodo Yatra, being led by Rahul Gandhi. He even made some time to call me to congratulate me for winning, it made me very happy and I am very grateful for it. says Mallikarjun Kharge. 

Sonia Gandhi has made many personal sacrifices for the Congress Party. Under her leadership, we made a goverment at the Centre twice. Her contributions to the party will always be remembered, says Mallikarjun Kharge

Have been briefing Mistry from time to time, says Salman Soz, election agent of presidential candidate Shashi Tharoor

"It's a moment of pride that Mallikarjun Kharge became Congress President, he is an experienced leader. Congress will strengthen under his leadership, and our party is united across the country," said Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot

"We believe that the party will move forward under his (Kharge's) leadership and we'll be able to rein in the fascist forces," said CM Bhupesh Baghel.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi congratulates Mallikarjun Kharge on being elected as the President of the Congress party.

Mallikarjun Kharge is a symbol of social empowerment: Jairam Ramesh