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Rahul Gandhi Quits as Head of India's Congress Party

Anjana Pasricha

   NEW DELHI - Rahul Gandhi has quit as head of India's main opposition
   Congress Party, taking responsibility for its humiliating rout in
   recent general elections. His resignation leaves the party, which has
   been led by a member of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty for decades,
   in crisis.

   The 49-year-old Gandhi said on Twitter, "Accountability is critical for
   the future growth of our party." He added, "It would be unjust to hold
   others accountable but ignore my own responsibility as President of the
   party."

   Gandhi announced his intention to resign weeks ago, but senior leaders
   of the party have been pushing him to change his mind.

   The Congress Party ruled India for more than 55 years since
   independence in 1947, but has steadily lost ground to the right-wing
   Bharatiya Janata Party since Prime Minister Narendra Modi inflicted a
   crushing defeat on the former in 2014.

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