RAIPUR: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasised the need to strengthen the party organisation at the micro level in Chhattisgarh during his address to the party’s district presidents from the state in Delhi on Thursday evening.
The Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency highlighted that the Mandal unit of the party should function as a bridge between the block-level leadership and voters at the booth level.
"The primary objective should be to identify voters — including committed Congress voters and those who may shift their loyalty — and address their issues," said Congress Bilaspur district president Vijay Kesharwani.
Responding to suggestions from the district presidents, Rahul Gandhi assured them that they would soon be given a say in the selection of candidates during elections. They would also be empowered to take decisions or make recommendations regarding the appointment of block-level office bearers and to initiate disciplinary action when necessary.
The district presidents also proposed that accountability be fixed for everyone — including candidates who lose elections. "When a candidate wins, they take the credit; but when they lose, the organisation is blamed. Accountability should be equally distributed," Kesharwani added. The interaction programme lasted until 8 pm on Thursday.
As part of their responsibilities, district presidents will be tasked with monitoring activities at the grassroots level to strengthen the party organisation and report to the designated party authorities. Out of 33 district presidents, 31 attended the meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Raipur district president Girish Dubey and Dantewada district president Awadhesh Gautam could not attend due to personal reasons, Kesharwani said.
AICC general secretary and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, along with state in-charge Sachin Pilot and state president Deepak Baij, were also present on the occasion.
Rahul Gandhi stated that leaders who remain inactive in the field or are absent from party meetings would be removed, as the intention is to empower those who are actively working for the party.
Addressing the gathering, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge appreciated the district presidents for standing by the party during difficult times. “Those who were made ministers and chairpersons later abandoned the party,” he said. “True warriors are those who stay with the party in times of crisis.”
Several district presidents raised concerns that the organisation is often sidelined once the party comes to power. They emphasised the need for the organisation and governance to function in tandem — something that has not been achieved in many states.
“We hold positions, but we don’t have power,” was a common grievance among the district presidents, Kesharwani said. They pointed out that in many districts, organisational decisions are overly influenced by MLAs, former MLAs, and other locally powerful leaders, which undermines the autonomy of the organisational structure.
During the meeting, the district presidents demanded that the AICC monitor this issue closely and issue clear directives to empower the organisation.
Congress Social Media Chairperson Supriya Shrinate conducted a dedicated training session on the use of social media and digital platforms.
District presidents were also instructed not to confine themselves to their own roles, but to monitor the participation of senior leaders in organisational programmes, meetings, and protests. They were told to report on how actively MLAs and senior party officials are engaging in party activities. These reports will also be collected and reviewed.
The Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency highlighted that the Mandal unit of the party should function as a bridge between the block-level leadership and voters at the booth level.
"The primary objective should be to identify voters — including committed Congress voters and those who may shift their loyalty — and address their issues," said Congress Bilaspur district president Vijay Kesharwani.
Responding to suggestions from the district presidents, Rahul Gandhi assured them that they would soon be given a say in the selection of candidates during elections. They would also be empowered to take decisions or make recommendations regarding the appointment of block-level office bearers and to initiate disciplinary action when necessary.
The district presidents also proposed that accountability be fixed for everyone — including candidates who lose elections. "When a candidate wins, they take the credit; but when they lose, the organisation is blamed. Accountability should be equally distributed," Kesharwani added. The interaction programme lasted until 8 pm on Thursday.
As part of their responsibilities, district presidents will be tasked with monitoring activities at the grassroots level to strengthen the party organisation and report to the designated party authorities. Out of 33 district presidents, 31 attended the meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Raipur district president Girish Dubey and Dantewada district president Awadhesh Gautam could not attend due to personal reasons, Kesharwani said.
AICC general secretary and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, along with state in-charge Sachin Pilot and state president Deepak Baij, were also present on the occasion.
Rahul Gandhi stated that leaders who remain inactive in the field or are absent from party meetings would be removed, as the intention is to empower those who are actively working for the party.
Addressing the gathering, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge appreciated the district presidents for standing by the party during difficult times. “Those who were made ministers and chairpersons later abandoned the party,” he said. “True warriors are those who stay with the party in times of crisis.”
Several district presidents raised concerns that the organisation is often sidelined once the party comes to power. They emphasised the need for the organisation and governance to function in tandem — something that has not been achieved in many states.
“We hold positions, but we don’t have power,” was a common grievance among the district presidents, Kesharwani said. They pointed out that in many districts, organisational decisions are overly influenced by MLAs, former MLAs, and other locally powerful leaders, which undermines the autonomy of the organisational structure.
During the meeting, the district presidents demanded that the AICC monitor this issue closely and issue clear directives to empower the organisation.
Congress Social Media Chairperson Supriya Shrinate conducted a dedicated training session on the use of social media and digital platforms.
District presidents were also instructed not to confine themselves to their own roles, but to monitor the participation of senior leaders in organisational programmes, meetings, and protests. They were told to report on how actively MLAs and senior party officials are engaging in party activities. These reports will also be collected and reviewed.
You may also like
Mega Rs 64,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale-Marine jets cleared by CCS
'Bahut der kar di huzoor': As Congress moves to reclaim Sardar Patel's legacy, BJP says it is 'blatant oxymoron'
Pentagon says US will help Panama take back canal from Chinese influence
Three dead, three injured in Virginia shooting; gunman on the run
Staggering miracle of girl, 16, who it was feared would never come home from hospital
