- December 23, 2023
Congress Shakes Up Leadership for 2024 Battle: New Faces Take Charge, UP Reshuffled, Priyanka’s Future Unclear
As India braces for the crucial Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has unveiled a strategic organizational reshuffle aimed at galvanizing its campaign and challenging the dominance of the ruling BJP. While established figures retain key roles, the spotlight falls on the rise of a new generation of leaders entrusted with spearheading the party’s charge.
UP: A Battlefield Where Experienced Hands Lead:
At the heart of the reshuffle lies the politically critical state of Uttar Pradesh. Recognizing its pivotal role in the national elections, the Congress has placed its faith in the seasoned leadership of Avinash Pande. His extensive experience and organizational skills will be crucial in navigating the complex political landscape of UP and mobilizing the party’s base.
Congress Leadership Reshuffle: State Allocations (December 23, 2023)
| Role | Name | State(s) |
|---|---|---|
| General Secretary (Chhattisgarh) | Sachin Pilot | Chhattisgarh |
| General Secretary (Uttar Pradesh) | Avinash Pande | Uttar Pradesh |
| General Secretary (Gujarat) | Mukul Wasnik | Gujarat |
| General Secretary (Karnataka) | Randeep Surjewala | Karnataka |
| General Secretary (Communication) | Jairam Ramesh | – |
| General Secretary (Organization) | KC Venugopal | – |
| Treasurer | Ajay Maken | – |
| State In-charge (Jharkhand, West Bengal) | GS Mir | Jharkhand, West Bengal |
| State In-charge (Kerala, Lakshadweep, Telangana) | Deepa Dasmunshi | Kerala, Lakshadweep, Telangana |
| State In-charge (Maharashtra) | Ramesh Chennithala | Maharashtra |
| State In-charge (Bihar) | Mohan Prakash | Bihar |
| State In-charge (Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh) | Dr. Chellakumar | Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh |
| State In-charge (Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry) | Dr. Ajoy Kumar | Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry |
| State In-charge (Jammu and Kashmir) | Bharatsingh Solanki | Jammu and Kashmir |
| State In-charge (Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh) | Rajeev Shukla | Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh |
| State In-charge (Rajasthan) | Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa | Rajasthan |
| State In-charge (Punjab) | Devender Yadav | Punjab |
| State In-charge (Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli) | Manikrao Thakre | Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
| State In-charge (Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland) | Girish Chodankarm | Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland |
| State In-charge (Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar) | Manickam Tagore | Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar |
Note: This information is based on the official announcement made by the Congress party on December 23, 2023.
New Guard Shoulders Responsibility:
Beyond Uttar Pradesh, the reshuffle marks the rise of a new generation of leaders entrusted with vital responsibilities. States like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Kerala have all been assigned promising young figures like Ramesh Chennithala, Mohan Prakash, and Deepa Dasmunshi. This strategic move signals the Congress’s intent to harness the energy and fresh perspectives of its rising stars as it looks to revitalize its appeal.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Role: An Intriguing Puzzle:
One of the most intriguing aspects of the reshuffle is the absence of Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent figure in the party’s recent campaigns, from the list of state in-charges. This has ignited speculation about her future role and whether she will play a central part in the upcoming elections. Whether she takes on a national campaign role or focuses on specific regions remains to be seen, adding an element of suspense to the Congress’s strategy.
Beyond Reshuffles: Grassroots and Outreach:
Recognizing that organizational changes alone are not enough, the Congress is also doubling down on initiatives aimed at strengthening its grassroots presence and connecting with voters on a deeper level. The planned re-launch of the “Bharat Jodo Yatra” mass outreach program is a testament to this commitment, aiming to reconnect with the masses and rebuild trust across the country.
The Road Ahead: Renewal and Reckoning:
The Congress leadership reshuffle signals a renewed determination to challenge the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. While the effectiveness of these changes remains to be tested, the party’s efforts to empower a new generation of leaders and strengthen its connection with voters are undeniable. Whether this will be enough to propel the Congress back to power remains to be seen, but the coming months will undoubtedly be a period of intense campaigning and political reckoning for the party.
