The Congress party will undergo a major reorganisation, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal said on Tuesday. He made the announcement at a conclave of the party’s seniormost leaders in Ahmedabad, where they vowed to follow the “path of social justice” charted out by Sardar Patel.
In a post-congratulatory meeting briefing after a long Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Venugopal noted that the year so far has been consumed on a complete party reorganization. High on the agenda was this action, with efforts already in motion.
“We are undertaking a huge organizational overhaul, complete with roadmaps to implement. Our general secretaries and in-charges are working on it,” he stated.
Venugopal also indicated next steps towards empowering district unit chiefs. “We have made decisions on the empowerment of District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents, with some proposals already cleared by our leaders. The reforms will be done soon,” he added.
A resolution of the Extended CWC reiterated the party’s commitment to the principles that Sardar Patel had championed, opposing British repression and fighting for workers’ rights and those of agriculturalists. Venugopal underlined that the Congress wants to connect its work with Patel’s tradition as it moves forward on the path of social justice.
In his inaugural speech, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed the party’s rightful place in Sardar Patel’s legacy. He faulted the BJP and RSS for attempting to usurp this legacy with a “well-conceived conspiracy.”
“Sardar Patel lives on in our minds and hearts. We are devoted to carrying his legacy forward. This CWC meeting at the Sardar Patel Museum is proof of our devotion,” Kharge said.
AICC General Secretary Sachin Pilot spoke to the press earlier, saying that the Congress will create stronger district units which would make their presidents more responsible and politically stronger. He was sure that the party would strongly challenge the BJP and NDA in upcoming elections.
“The Congress president and the Leader of Opposition are keen on consolidating district units. The increased accountability and responsibility of district presidents will increase our presence in villages and communities,” Pilot clarified.
The Congress wants to convey to its supporters and the opposition alike that it is capable of facing challenges head-on, both within and outside Parliament. “Elections are fought to be won, and we will go to the next elections with renewed strength,” he stated.
The resolution passed on April 9 will be titled ‘Nyay Path,’ a new landmark for the party. The ongoing session in Ahmedabad, “Nyaypath: Sankalp, Samarpan aur Sangharsh,” will see over 1,700 elected and co-opted members of AICC attend, gathering on the banks of the Sabarmati River between Sabarmati Ashram and Kochrab Ashram.
