(Sachin Pilot, Rajiv Shukla and Digvijaya Singh were reportedly considered for the post)
"This is indeed a significant responsibility," said Ajay Maken, a close associate of Rahul Gandhi.
Has been appointed as new treasurer replacing Pawan Kumar Bansal, who was appointed to the post after the demise of Sonia Gandhi-loyalist Ahmed Patel. Maken further extended his gratitude to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and KC Vengugopal for "for placing their trust" in him.
"I assure both my leaders and the workers of our party that as a custodian of their contributions, I will work with the utmost diligence, honesty, and dedication," Maken tweeted.
Maken had resigned as Congress general secretary in charge of Rajasthan a few months ago. A former Union minister, Ajay Maken has also served as Delhi Congress chief and was a minister in late Sheila Dikshit-led government in Delhi.
He represented New Delhi parliamentary constituency and had defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Jagmohan in 2003 polls. Maken was defeated in the 2014 general elections by the BJP candidate Meenakshi Lekhi.
"Congress president has appointed Ajay Maken as the treasurer of the All India Congress Committee, with immediate effect," party general secretary KC Venugopal said in a statement earlier. "The party appreciates the contribution of the outgoing treasurer Pawan Kumar Bansal," he added.
That new AICC president Malikarjun Kharge is only encouraging Rahul Gandhi's associates is proved yet again. Even a few weeks it was being speculated that top names such as Digvijaya Singh and even Shashi Tharoor, who contested against Kharge, were being considered for the post.
Once held by the likes of Sitaram Kesri, the post of AICC treasurer was a much sought after position once. After Kesri moved as the president Motilal Vohra and later Ahmed Patel, a known Sonia Gandhi loyalist held the post.
For Congress - now out of power for more than nine and half years, the grand old party also needs to worry a bit about the coffers. "Among all the challenges to fight Modi and so-called Moditva, we also need funds and the coffers are dry," remarked a party leader from north east.
Sachin Pilot's name was reportedly considered but Congress high command wants to reward him and make him Rajasthan Chief Minister.
Hence apparently these names including Rajiv Shukla was being considered. Shukla also is known for his proximity to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra; but ultimately, it is Rahul's man Ajay Maken, who has been given the post and immense responsibility.
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