By Rahil Nora Chopra
Whispers are making rounds in the Congress that organisational reshuffle will be undertaken only once the ongoing state Assembly elections conclude, with internal discussions signalling a broader redistribution of responsibilities across the party structure. Numerous senior Congress leaders are advocating a more prominent role for Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra within the party. On the other hand, in view of the crucial Assembly elections scheduled next year in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa, the party aims to complete the restructuring exercise well in advance. Changes in state leadership, including unit chiefs and key organisational posts, are on the cards. Meanwhile, the position of general secretary (organisation) is also under review, as K.C. Venugopal has held the post for nearly seven years. Venugopal is considered the eyes and ears of the Rahul Gandhi and has moved into key roles in the decision-making apparatus of the Congress. The buzz is that general secretary KC Venugopal wants to focus on Kerala and aspires to become the Chief Minister of the United Democratic Front (UDF) secures a majority in Kerala. In fact, former KPCC president K. Sudhakaran is now backing Venugopal for the CM’s post! KC is the best man for the job, says Sudhakaran, but senior leaders within the party are learnt to have raised objections. While senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has said the party high command will look for a final decision on who will become the Chief Minister if the United Democratic Front (UDF) secures a majority in Kerala.
CONGRESS, NCP(SP) WANT UDDHAV TO BE MVA’S MAHA MLC POLL FACE
The Congress and NCP (SP), partners in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), want Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray to be the joint alliance candidate for the Maharashtra legislative council elections, scheduled to be held on May 12.NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule said Thackeray’s experience would add volume to the Council’s functioning, while Congress state chief Harshwardhan Sapkal expressed similar sentiments after meeting him at his residence, Matoshree. On the other hand, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the party is willing to support Uddhav Thackeray in the upcoming Legislative Council polls, but looks forward for a Rajya Sabha seat in return. Biennial elections will be held for 10 MLC seats. As per the strength of the parties in the assembly, the ruling MahaYuti is likely to win nine seats and MVA one. In the MahaYuti, the BJP will contest for six MLC seats as per its assembly numbers, the Shiv Sena will get two and NCP one.
KEJRIWAL TO CAMPAIGN FOR MAMATA FOR PHASE TWO OF WEST BENGAL POLLS
In a significant show of political fraternity, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will campaign for the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal on April 26 and 27. His visit signals a direct reciprocation to an invitation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as the state gears up for the high-stakes second phase of its assembly elections. The former Delhi chief minister is likely to take part in public meetings and outreach programmes as part of the TMC’s campaign. While the Aam Aadmi Party has very confined organizational presence in West Bengal, his political brand centered on education reforms, healthcare improvements, and governance efficiency could resonate with urban, middle-class, and first-time voters The second phase of polling will take place on April 29.
MAYAWATI BATS FOR SC, ST, OBC SUB-QUOTA WITHIN WOMEN’S RESERVATION
With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for 2027, BSP chief Mayawati suggested party workers not to hold any protests or demonstrations on the women’s reservation issue, saying the party’s stand that there should be a separate quota within the 33 per cent quota for women from SC, ST and OBCs remains unchanged. Mayawati had also reiterated the party’s demand for 50 per cent reservation for women in proportion to their population, alleging that other political parties were unwilling to accept it due to their “self-interest and compulsions.” She directed workers to strengthen the party organisation, expand its support base and highlight the development and public welfare works carried out during the BSP government in Uttar Pradesh. (IPA Service)
