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Ahmedabad, Gujarat : In view of the upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat, the Congress has intensified its efforts to strengthen the organization. Following the long-standing factionalism at the local level and poor results in the elections, there are now signs of major changes in the state organization. According to political sources, preparations are underway to change about 8 to 9 district and city Congress presidents in the state. New and active faces may be given a chance in their place.
Congress had earlier started the ‘Organization Creation Campaign’ by making Gujarat a pilot project. Its aim was to strengthen the party structure by connecting grassroots level workers with the organization. Under this campaign, new presidents were also appointed at the city and district levels. However, complaints have reached the high command that the organization has not become as active as expected in some areas.
There is also a churning in the party regarding the poor performance of the Congress in the taluka-district panchayat and municipal elections. The inaction of the local leadership, internal factionalism and mistakes in the selection of candidates are being held responsible for the results. The internal report also mentions that in some areas, weak candidates were given a chance by ignoring active workers.
The performance of district and city presidents is currently being evaluated by the regional leadership. Details of how active the organization was in each president’s area and where the party suffered losses in the elections have been collected. Sources say that this entire report has been presented to the high command.
After the final evaluation, the high command can take a decision on inactive and inefficient presidents. If changes are made, it is likely that leaders who are active at the ground level and are acceptable to the workers will get priority in the new organizational structure. This organizational restructuring of the Congress before the assembly elections may prove crucial for the party.
Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
