By Tenzin Dharpo

DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 18: The President of the exile Tibetan government, known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration, expressed greetings to the newly elected president of the Indian National Congress (INC), Rahul Gandhi.

Dr. Lobsang Sangay wrote, “As the Congress party embarks on a new era under your leadership, I feel a new hope will dawn on Indian politics that will forge a path of success, and fulfill the aspirations of not just the Congress party but the entire nation with a new fervour.”

“Your personal connection with the Indian masses and your easy accessibility to grassroots party workers and ordinary Indians is profoundly inspiring, and I am sure it will enthuse the public in supporting your vision for the Congress party and India,” he added.

The head of the Tibetan polity also urged the young politician to sustain their support for Tibet and its people, some 1.5 hundred thousand of which resides in India.

“We urge you to continue your focus on the Tibet issue and the Tibetan people who share a deep connection with your family since the time of late Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru. We hope that you will live up to the expectations of the Tibetan people and raise the Tibet issue not just in the Indian parliament but also on the international stage for a swift resolution to the Tibet issue,” Dr Sangay said.

Rahul Gandhi, 47, last week was elected the 49th President of INC in an unchallenged internal poll, succeeding his mother Sonia Gandhi who is the longest serving President in the party’s history. He was earlier serving as the party's vice president since January 2013.