In 1939 Indian National Congress was to elect its new president at its session to be held in Tripuri. Gandhi has chosen Pattabhi Sitaramaiah as his candidate for the post, if Maulana Abul Kalam Azad did not want to contest. But Subhash Chandra Bose wanted to contest again. Gandhi would not like it for various reasons. Bose always had very sharp and radical views. Bose’ opponents pointed out that if he contested that would be the second time which would not look good. On the other hand if Pattabhi were chosen that would be appropriate because he had been a most respected servant of the party for a long, long period. Let him be the next president, they argued.  Azad opted out of contest. Gandhi repeated the name his candidate – Pattabhi Sitaramaiah. When the votes were counted Gandhi’s candidate was way behind Bose - 1375 for Pattabhi and 1580 for Bose.