Congress Appoints Rajendra Pal Gautam as UP In-Charge Amid Dalit Outreach Efforts

New Appointment in Congress

Following an unsuccessful attempt to meet BSP leader Mayawati a few weeks ago, Rajendra Pal Gautam has been appointed as the All India Congress Committee in-charge for Uttar Pradesh. This decision was announced by KC Venugopal, the party's general secretary. Gautam takes over from Avinash Pandey, who held the position since December 2023. This move is perceived as part of the party's strategy to strengthen its influence among Dalits and socially backward communities.

Gautam's Political Journey

A lawyer by profession, Gautam gained prominence as an Ambedkarite activist before joining the Aam Aadmi Party in 2014. He was elected twice from the Seemapuri assembly constituency and served as a cabinet minister in the Arvind Kejriwal government. However, he resigned from the Delhi cabinet in 2022 following a controversy related to a Buddhist conversion event. Subsequently, he joined Congress and was appointed as the chairperson of the Scheduled Caste department in 2025.

Controversial Encounter with Mayawati

Gautam made headlines last May when he knocked on Mayawati's door near the UP Congress office, but the Dalit leader refused to meet him, leading to an embarrassing situation. Following this, he received a show-cause notice. He later gathered Dalit and Pasi leaders, along with academics and key community figures, to facilitate a meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

Focus on Dalit Unity

With this new role, Gautam is at the forefront of Congress's efforts to unite non-Jatav Dalits, a crucial demographic in electoral caste equations. However, some senior party members are not pleased with his rapid rise. Party workers believe that Gautam's determination has yielded positive results, and this entire scenario appears to be a strategic move to establish him in UP ahead of the 2027 state elections.

Gautam's Commitment to the Party

Expressing gratitude for his new responsibility, Gautam stated that he will work diligently with people from all sections of society to strengthen the organization in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that Congress aims to unite all communities that have faced difficulties during the BJP's governance. Criticizing the BJP for its bulldozer politics, he pointed out that the party's lack of foresight in policies and disregard for the challenges faced by ordinary citizens have alienated a significant portion of society.

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