The Congress party's three-day 85th plenary session began in Raipur on Friday (24 February).

The steering committee unanimously decided to authorise party president Mallikarjun Kharge to nominate all members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) — the party's highest decision-making body.

Congress general secretary, Communications, Jairam Ramesh, told reporters that the committee discussed the matter of CWC elections, and almost all 45 members present at the meeting unanimously decided to authorise the Congress president to nominate members.

Several members expressed their views both in favour and against the polls to CWC.

Ramesh said that the plenary will also decide on bringing 16 amendments to 32 rules and regulations of the party's constitution.

"All former prime ministers of the Congress party and former presidents will be given representation in the Working Committee," he said, giving details of amendments to be brought about in the constitution of the party.

Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi arrived in Raipur on Friday(24 February) afternoon to attend the plenary session.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, his Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal, state Congress chief Mohan Markam and other senior leaders of the party were present at the airport to welcome them.

The plenary session is being held from 24 February to 26 February, at Rajyotsav Sthal, in Nava Raipur and is expected to be attended by 15,000 delegates.

(with inputs from PTI)