The faultlines in the Congress deepened ahead of the crucial working committee meeting on Monday with leaders tweeting their support for Sonia and Rahul Gandhi amid 23 senior leaders expressing reservations about their leadership.

“News of 23 senior most Congress leaders writing letter to Hon’ble CP is unbelievable and if it is true – it’s very unfortunate  was no need to go in media I strongly believe that Hon’ble CP Smt Sonia Gandhi ji should continue to lead the party at this crucial juncture,” Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, whose government just survived a toppling bid, tweeted on Sunday.

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Sachin Pilot, who Gehlot accused of trying to topple his government, wrote, “Mrs Gandhi and Rahul ji have shown what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of the people and the party. It’s now time to build consensus and consolidate. Our future is stronger when we’re united. Most Congress workers would like to see Rahul ji take over and lead the party.” Gandhis — Sonia, Rahul and Priyanaka — brokered the peace deal in Rajasthan that saw the rebel, Sachin Pilot, return to the party fold after a month’s stalemate.

Another party leader, Ajay Maken, sharing a survey that said Rahul was the most acceptable leader in the Congress, tweeted, “… high time he came back as party chief.”

The clamour is likely to grow as the countdown for the CWC begins. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy and Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and former ministers Ashwani Kumar, Salman Khurshid and KK Tewary, among others, have backed the Gandhis.

This developments of the past few days are reminiscent of the 1999 developments when Sonia Gandhi tendered her resignation at a CWC, meeting after three members — Sharad Pawar, PA Sangma and Tariq Anwar made a statement that the President, Prime Minister, or Vice President of India shouldn’t be a person of foreign origin.

What followed was a clamour by partymen for her return, which she duly obliged and Pawar, Sangma and Anwar quit to form the NCP.