Congress president Sonia Gandhi will begin her interactions with senior leaders from December 19 to finalise the future course of action ahead of the much-awaited organisational elections, including the appointment of the new party president.

Sources said senior leaders, including some from the so-called group of 23, will be called for discussion on the measures needed to be taken for resolving the leadership issue. Sonia had stopped personal interactions because of Covid-19 and even the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held through videoconference. Her meeting with party veteran Kamal Nath a few days ago was the first in this exercise of resolving the leadership question.

While there has been no indication so far of Rahul Gandhi’s willingness to return as the party president, leaders close to him insist that is a certainty not open to dispute. But this understanding is not reflected in informal discussions with other senior leaders who are still in dark about the future leadership. A clearer picture will emerge only after Sonia completes her discussions with senior leaders.

While there is a demand for election to the CWC as per the party constitution, the revival of Parliament Board — the key decision-making body — has also been suggested by many.

Asked if they had been invited for talks, one of the Group-23 leaders told The Telegraph, “We haven’t received any call. But why our meeting Soniaji should generate so much curiosity? She is our leader and we have strong personal and political bonding. There is no rift whatsoever at the personal level even if we have some differences over political issues.”