Mallikarjun Kharge declined to make a winning prediction when the Congress chose a new party leader today, saying he wouldn't like to because it would "display his vanity."
The 80-year-old, who is perceived as the candidate with the support of the Congress leadership, declined to speculate on whether he will defeat Shashi Tharoor in a "clean sweep."
"On the 19th, it will be clear whether or not there was a clean sweep (Wednesday). How can we forecast right now? If I speak now, it will be evidence of my inflated ego, "Mr. Kharge stated to NDTV.
Regarding the claim that he is the "About the "consensus" candidate, he joked: "Now the consensus is gone. Elections are the battleground. That implies that you must wait for the outcomes."
He said that if he "had a chance" to lead the Congress, he would like to execute the Udaipur proclamation for party changes "one by one."
In many respects, the election, which was held almost 25 years, marks a turning point for the Congress. The party is choosing a non-Gandhi chairman for the position for the first time in decades.
Mr. Kharge is largely regarded as the "authorized" candidate, despite the Gandhis' declaration that they will remain impartial.
The two candidates exchanged pleasantries.
To wish Mallikarjun @kharge well and to reiterate my esteem for him and our shared commitment to the success of the Congress, Mr. Tharoor tweeted this morning.
Mr. Kharge penned: "All the best to Shashi Tharoor. I spoke with him earlier today; we are both running for Congress to create a stronger and better country for future generations."
In the all-day election, around 9,000 delegates are casting ballots. On Wednesday, the name of a new Congress head will be revealed.