Congress Team for 2024 Lok Sabha Election Unveiled, Challenges Ahead
The Congress party has announced its team that will lead them into the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Led by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the team faces the daunting task of taking on a resurgent BJP in the Hindi heartland. However, doubts remain about whether this team has what it takes to inspire a spirited fight against the ruling party.
Critics have pointed out that the Congress has strategically appointed or reappointed its pointspersons for states in the heartland where it does not expect to perform well. In states such as Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, the Congress’s prospects are headed south. Unless the party can forge alliances with regional parties like the AAP in Punjab or the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh, its losses may be difficult to contain.
In the midst of this challenging landscape, the decision to relieve party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of her responsibilities in Uttar Pradesh has sparked speculation that she may contest from the state. Despite the Congress’s declining vote-share in the crucial state, Priyanka’s supporters believe she could make her electoral debut there regardless of the outcome. There are also suggestions that she may contest from Telangana, where the Congress recently achieved a victory.
The appointment of AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunshi as in-charge of Telangana further fuels speculation that Priyanka may consider contesting from the state. Deepa Dasmunshi’s role in the party’s successful campaign in Telangana earned her the additional charge of managing the state. Moreover, Rahul Gandhi is expected to contest from Kerala, which explains why Deepa Dasmunshi has also been given the responsibility of managing the state. Ajoy Kumar has been assigned the charge of Tamil Nadu, amid rumors of Rahul also considering a second option to contest from there.
However, questions arise about the level of involvement of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in the team selection process. Observers note that the changes in the team bear the imprint of Rahul Gandhi. For instance, Kerala veteran Ramesh Chennithala, known for championing Hindu rights in the Sabarimala Temple issue, has been assigned Maharashtra, while his close aide Girish Chodankar has been given charge of northeastern states like Tripura, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Manipur. The treatment of Chennithala, who has been labeled as an “in-charge” instead of being elevated to the position of AICC general secretary, has caused discontent within the party.
Furthermore, the decision to assign Sachin Pilot as AICC general secretary for Chhattisgarh, effectively keeping him away from Rajasthan, is seen by some as a move influenced by former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot rather than a strategic use of a promising young leader. Some argue that if Rahul Gandhi genuinely cared for Sachin Pilot and the Congress’s revival in the northern region, he could have utilized him in Uttar Pradesh or Jammu and Kashmir, where his influence among Gujjar voters could have made a difference.
Overall, the Congress’s organizational changes have raised doubts about their effectiveness in winning the 2024 polls. Many Congress leaders believe that the new AICC team, drafted by Rahul Gandhi and his aide KC Venugopal, may not be permanent and could be subject to further changes closer to the elections. While the reshuffle aimed to prevent any major disruptions, it is clear that non-performers have managed to retain positions as in-charges of states where the party’s prospects are bleak, indicating that they may not survive the next major overhaul.
In conclusion, the Congress party has unveiled its team for the 2024 Lok Sabha election, but challenges lie ahead as they seek to take on a resurgent BJP. The appointment of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and the strategic reallocation of responsibilities within the party raise questions about the decision-making process and the party’s prospects in crucial states. With the elections approaching, all eyes will be on the Congress as they attempt to rejuvenate their political fortunes.
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