The JD(U) spokesperson said that Rahul Gandhi was born with a silver spoon in mouth, and therefore, got the top Congress post.

Patra cited the sentencing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who was supported by the Congress, in a corruption case to hit out at the party, claiming it would remain corrupt despite the change in leadership.

Kamal, who is known for films like "Hey Ram" and "Vishwaroopam", has previously shown desire to join politics. He has also hinted launching his party by January.

Reaching out to the youth, he said as "it is stated that the Congress is a grand old party we will make it a grand old and young party... we will fight all hatred with love."

Rahul Gandhi took over as Congress President on Saturday, an elevation that comes at a time when the party faces an "existential crisis" and has huge electoral challenges in the run up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

If the exit polls are to be believed, the saffron party will easily manage to retain power in its turf, with an overwhelming majority.

"Rahulji is taking over as president of our party at a time when there are certain disturbing trends visible in our politics," Manmohan Singh said.

The Gandhi scion was handed over a certificate appointing him as the Congress president in the presence of mother Sonia Gandhi.

The entire process will be completed after the Central Election Authority president Mullapally Ramachandran hands over the Certificate of Election to the newly-elected president of the Congress.

Congress president-designate Rahul Gandhi's elevation would come just two days ahead of the counting of votes for the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll.

According to the exit poll conducted by India TV-VMR (Votersmood Research), BJP is likely to get seats within a range of 108-118. Congress is expected to bag seats within a range of 61-71.

Speaking at a massive rally of Congress workers here, Rahul Gandhi said that people no longer believe in what he (Narendra Modi) says.

"I was not here physically but in spirit I was here, I have come here to pay respects to the people who have passed away," the Gandhi scion said.

Voting in 93 assembly constituencies across 14 districts in northern and central regions is underway and will continue till 5 pm.

"Today is Phase 2 of the Gujarat elections. I request all those voting today to vote in record numbers and enrich this festival of democracy," PM Modi tweeted.

As per the Election Commission schedule, polling will begin at 8 am and conclude at 5 pm. A total of 25,575 polling booths have been set up in 14,523 places.

Dinesh Bambhania claimed that the money was given by NCP leader Praful Patel but no one was informed about this. He demanded Hardik Patel to explain what he had done with the money.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday used a series of email exchanges to accuse the Gandhi family of interfering in governmental decisions during the erstwhile UPA regime.

If the BJP retains Gujarat and snatches Himachal Pradesh from Congress, the grand old party under its new President Rahul Gandhi would find it difficult to corner the government over the issues they raised during the polls.

"Explain why action should not be taken against you for violating provisions of MCC, failing which Commission will decide matter without any further reference to you,' EC said in its notice to Congress president-elect.