Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh termed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi taking over as Congress president from his mother and incumbent president Sonia Gandhi as a ‘historical event’. “I might sound emotional while saying this but it’s a fact this is a historical event for the party as well as the country,” Singh said.

He, however, cautioned Rahul Gandhi to be cautious as his tenure as party president commences amid ‘disturbing trends’ as politics of fear was over taking politics of hope. Singh was addressing a gathering of party workers who had congregated to wish Rahul success on the latter formally taking over as party president from his mother.

Addressing Rahul as ‘Rahulj’, the former prime-minister urged him to work for ushering in politics of hope. “You have had enough practice and looked after the party’s affairs for many years now. Your leadership signals a sense of commitment, dedication, courage and humility. It is indeed a unique day in the party and country’s history,” he said conceding that he was emotional while saying so.

He also thanked Sonia Gandhi for leading the party for 19 long years. Earlier, the process of appointment of Rahul Gandhi as Congress president was completed after Central Election Authority president M. Ramachandran handed over to Rahul a letter confirming his appointment.