Congress begins search for new chiefs to head party units in five states
The Congress has begun the search for new chiefs of its party units in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Mumbai, said a party functionary familiar with the developments. The changes are aimed at ending in-fighting in some of the state. And giving a fresh start to the party in others.
The Congress is out of power in these states. And the immediate task of the new chiefs would be to revive the organisation ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken
Who is unwell and went abroad last month for a health check, has conveyed to the party’s leadership. That it will be difficult for him to continue on medical grounds.
“I have informed the leadership about my health concerns,” Maken said.
A strong votary of not allying with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. Maken took over as the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief in Delhi in March 2015 soon after the party’s rout in the assembly elections.
He replaced Arvinder Singh Lovely who switched over to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in April 2017 before returning to the fold in February.
The functionary, who asked not to be named said the party leadership is looking at several options. And with one school of thought suggesting that former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit be appointed as the PCC chief with three working presidents. One each from Muslim, Jat and Bania (trader) communities.
When contacted, the former chief minister said, “I don’t known anything about it.”
Another section wants the reins to be handed over to someone open to an alliance with the AAP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Given that the party’s top central leadership is keen on a partnership. With the Arvind Kejriwal-led party in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
The names of veteran leader Mahabal Mishra, former Lok Sabha member Sandeep Dikshit, Sharmistha Mukherjee and Devender Yadav have been discussed the functionary said. While Sandeep Dikshit is actively involved in the party’s election campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Mishra is a known face among the Purvanchalis in the national capital.
Purvanchalis constitute roughly about 3-4 million of Delhi’s population of around 20 million. And have the ability to influence the outcome in at least 30 of the state’s 70 assembly seats.
In the current assembly
There are 12 legislators from Purvanchal. Present BJP chief and Lok Sabha member from North East Delhi Manoj Tiwari and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh are also from the region.
Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar is set to seek re-election from Gurdaspur in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And hence will not be able to devote much time to the organisational affairs in the state, the party functionary said.
In neighbouring Haryana
The ongoing power tussle between state chief Ashok Tanwar and former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has resulted in intense infighting.
“This factionalism could hurt the party prospects in next year’s assembly elections in Haryana. Where we have a strong chance to come back to power,” the functionary said.
Tanwar, a former Lok Sabha member from Sirsa and a Dalit leader, took over as the state chief in February 2014.
“I had been entrusted the responsibility of strengthening the party in Haryana. And I am doing so for the past four years. Today, we are in a position to win all the Lok Sabha seats. And form the government whenever assembly elections are held. The rest leadership will take a call. And they know what is the best for the party,” Tanwar said.
Hooda’s supporters have been demanding that the two-time chief minister should be named as the PCC chief ahead of the elections. Arguing that he is the tallest Congress leader in the state. And also capable of bringing the party back to power. But former union minister and a senior Dalit leader Kumari Selja has also emerged as a strong contender for the top party post in the state.
After the appointment of AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh Congress chief in April this year. The party leadership is yet to name his successor.
In Himachal Pradesh
State Congress chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered to step down immediately after the party’s defeat in the December 2017 assembly elections. The party’s leadership asked him to continue till his replacement was named.
Sukhu was appointed PCC chief in April 2013.
To maintain caste and regional balance in the hill state. The party is likely to appoint Kuldeep Rathore. Who is a Rajput and belongs to Upper Himachal. The powerful apple belt and a traditional stronghold of the Congress.
Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Mukesh Agnihotri is a Brahmin and hails from lower Himachal. A region where the BJP is strong. The Congress is also likely to replace Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam. Who was locked in a bitter feud with late leader Gurudas Kamat.
Months before his death. Kamat had requested the Congress high command to relieve him of all organisational responsibilities. He was a general secretary in-charge of Gujarat and Rajasthan and a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member. Following serious differences with Nirupam. And then party general secretary in-charge of Maharasthra Mohan Prakash over their functioning.
The names of former Lok Sabha members Milind Deora and Priya Dutt have been discussed as a possible replacement for Nirupam. Who took over as the Mumbai chief in March 2015 but there is no clarity yet.
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