The initial fireworks at the CWC meeting notwithstanding, it appears that a rapprochement is in the works between the ginger group comprising the signatories to the letter calling for large scale changes and the loyalists. Both sides having made their point and expended their angst appeared keen on pulling back from the brink. The first indication of a thaw came in the form Rahul Gandhi’s call to Kapil Sibal denying comments attributed to him about accusing the signatories of colluding with the BJP.

Subsequently, Ghulam Nabi Azad called up the media to deny that Rahul Gandhi had made those comments. He also explained that he had offered to resign in response to allegations made against him by some leaders but not Rahul Gandhi.

Read: At Congress’s key meet, attacks, counter-attacks, and then cooling off

The virtual meeting of the CWC is still in progress but what has emerged so far clearly points to wiser counsel prevailing, barring the odd outburst. At one point, soon after the meeting commenced it appeared that the loyalists had the knives out for the signatories. However, as the day progressed both sides appeared to be stepping back from the brink. Some indications were available last night itself with Gandhis privately cautioning their supporters not to go over board in their criticism of the ginger group.

While the details of the truce are still unclear, what is clear is that Sonia Gandhi is unlikely to continue as the President of the party. She could at best continue for a limited period till the party chooses a replacement within a specified period of time to oversee organisational elections in the party.

Read: By picking on Ghulam Nabi Azad, a Congman of 47 years, Rahul Gandhi may have gone too far

The toning down of the attacks and also Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to reach out to his critics, signals a realisation on his part that he does need try and take everybody along. Similarly, the party will also have to address some of the issues raised in the letter. One of the possible outcomes of the meeting might be that the party will announce a time frame for organisational elections and a restructuring of the key instructions of the party and a more consensual and collaborative style of functioning.

Read: ‘Letter-writers in league with BJP’: Rahul Gandhi’s jibe at partymen who wrote dissent note

The deliberations of the CWC were been more or less on expected lines. There was chorus for Sonia Gandhi to continue, with leader after leader from Manmohan Singh, AK Antony to all the chief ministers not only pledging their loyalty to the Gandhi family but also criticising the contents and the timing of the letter. The ginger group comprising the signatories to the letter are scheduled to meet late this evening to take stock of the developments. But both sides are holding out hopes of a resolution of the crisis. “ We have given our lives to this party, our intention is not to split or leave the party, we want correctives to be applied and we re hopeful we will be able to resolve this problem” says one of the signatories to the letter.