Congress Plans Major Organizational Restructuring Ahead of Upcoming Elections
Strategic Changes in Congress Leadership
In light of the upcoming electoral challenges, the Congress leadership is gearing up for significant changes within its organizational framework across the nation. Sources indicate that the party is working on a plan to replace provincial in-charges and state presidents in over half a dozen states. The focus is particularly intense on Rajasthan, where discussions are heating up regarding the role of prominent young leader Sachin Pilot.
This restructuring effort gained momentum last week following a high-level meeting involving Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. Insiders believe that this could be Kharge's last major organizational overhaul during his tenure as party president.
Focus on Upcoming Elections
The party's primary focus is on states where assembly elections are scheduled for next year, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur, making organizational readiness a top priority.
Congress is also keeping an eye on the electoral contests in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where assembly elections are anticipated by the end of next year. Except for Punjab, the party is expected to face direct competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party in all these states.
Leadership Changes in Rajasthan and Delhi
In Rajasthan, there is a likelihood of a leadership change, as the current state president's term has ended. Sources suggest that Sachin Pilot is a frontrunner to become the next president of the Rajasthan Congress.
Similarly, in Delhi, the term of the current president of the state Congress committee is nearing its end. According to party sources, senior leader Abhishek Dutt is leading the race for this position. Additionally, the restructuring process is expected to bring changes in Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab.
Monitoring Other States
Congress may also appoint new state in-charges for Haryana, Assam, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, as these positions have become vacant for various reasons, with announcements expected soon.
In Kerala, a leadership change is anticipated, and the party is likely to announce the name of a new state president in the coming weeks.
This potential reshuffle is viewed as part of Congress leadership's efforts to strengthen the party organization ahead of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat next year. Elections in Rajasthan are scheduled for 2028.