Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday won the Congress intra-party elections for the post of President. He polled 7000 votes, defeating his opponent Shashi Tharoor by a huge margin. The losing side polled six thousand less votes.

Welcoming the election, Congress leader and former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh wrote that Kharge has completed 50 years in electoral politics. "He has distinguished himself as a legislator and Minister in the state and at the Centre. He is a shining symbol of social empowerment inspired by Nehru, Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi and Devaraj Urs," he added. He also lauded Kharge for placing ideological commitment over personal glory.

On his part, Tharoor wished Kharge all the success. "It was a privilege to have received the support of over a thousand colleagues, and to carry the hopes and aspirations of so many well-wishers of Congress across India," Tharoor tweeted.

However, all hasn't been well. Tharoor, earlier in the day, alleged a "serious ballot fraud by the team of Kharge", who has the backing of the Sonia Gandhi-Rahul Gandhi duo.

Many are skeptical that Kharge will be given a free hand. "Interestingly, Kharge isn't just set to be Congress President but he is also the CEO of Young Indian which has two owners: Rahul and Sonia. So, Cong boss Kharge is a Gandhi employee," tweeted journalist Rahul Shivshankar.