The Congress on Friday appointed Eknath Gaikwad as the acting president of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee, in place of Milind Deora who had resigned after the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

'Congress president has approved the proposal for appointment of Eknath Gaikwad, working president, Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC), as the acting president of Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC) in place of Milind Deora,' a party statement said.

It also said, 'The party appreciates the contribution of the outgoing president of MRCC, Milind Deora.'

Deora resigned soon after Rahul Gandhi quit as the party chief, taking responsibility of Congress's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections.

Deora was considered close to Rahul Gandhi and had hinted at taking up a central role.