Here are the highlights of Manmohan Singh's speech after Rahul Gandhi became Congress President:

• Today is a historic day for India.
• Please pardon me if I get somewhat emotional on such a historic day.
• I remember a letter that Jawaharlal Nehru ji had written to Indira Gandhi ji stating that one should be able to hold ones emotions on important occasions, but I seek your forgiveness should I get emotional today.
• Sonia Gandhi has guided the party for 19 years. Under her magnificent leadership, the party has seen many achievements - one of them being India reaching its highest growth rate ever. She has led the party with courage and humility.
• Today, after 19 remarkable years, she hands over the leadership of the party to Rahul Gandhi.
• Rahul ji, we look forward to your leadership. I am confident that Congress will reach new heights under your guidance.
• Today, the politics of hope has been changed to politics of fear. Rahul ji, these are testing times for the country. We look up to you to steer India back to the politics of hope and raise the much needed issues of poverty and unemployment. You take over as Congress chief at this crucial junction. I wish you all the best.