Even as the Congress is gearing up for the party election this week, the stalemate over who will be the next chief continues with no signs of a breakthrough.

According to NDTV reports, the latest efforts to make Rahul Gandhi accept the role have been fruitless. He has been turning down the appeals by his party members since resigning after the 2019 general election debacle.

Sonia Gandhi too has ruled out returning as President due to her health.

The shift then focussed on Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as most members of the 137-year-old outfit are still keen on rallying around a Gandhi member, NDTV’s sources said.

However, her disastrous record in this year’s Uttar Pradesh elections may rule her out.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, 71, is among some names being considered for Congress chief, NDTV quoted reporting sources, which means the new party president could be a non-Gandhi for the first time since 1998.

Congress has been facing a leadership crisis for years and it has been worsened by its defeats in both assembly polls as well as Lok Sabha elections, and a string of exits by top leaders.