The Congress party on Friday announced a key organisational reshuffle, appointing senior leader Sanjay Dutt as the new All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Haryana. Dutt, currently serving as an AICC Secretary, replaces B K Hariprasad in the role. The changes were confirmed in a communication issued by AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal, stating that the Congress president had approved the appointments.
New appointments in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh
In the same exercise, the party named Lalji Desai as the AICC in-charge for Odisha, replacing Ajay Kumar Lallu. Rajendra Pal Gautam was appointed as the new in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, taking over from Ajay Rai. The party also relieved outgoing in-charges Hariprasad, Lallu, and Rai of their responsibilities, thanking them for their contributions to the organisation.
Significance of Haryana reshuffle
The Haryana appointment is seen as a strategic move as the Congress seeks to build on its improved performance in the state and prepare for future electoral contests against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party has emerged as a stronger opposition force in Haryana in recent years and views the state as one of the few northern states where it has realistic prospects of returning to power. According to party insiders, the leadership change aims to sharpen organisational focus and strengthen grassroots connect ahead of upcoming elections.
Revival efforts in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh
The changes in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are part of the Congress's continuing effort to strengthen its organisational structure and revive its political fortunes in states where it has struggled to regain lost ground. In Odisha, the party faces a dominant Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, while in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has been marginalised by the BJP and Samajwadi Party. The new in-charges are expected to revitalise cadre morale and build alliances for future contests.
Background of appointees
Sanjay Dutt is a seasoned Congress leader with experience in party organisation and election management. Lalji Desai has previously held organisational roles, and Rajendra Pal Gautam, a former Delhi minister, brings experience from the capital's political landscape. The reshuffle reflects the party's focus on deploying leaders with state-specific expertise to address local challenges.
Party's broader strategy
The appointments come amid the Congress's efforts to position itself as a credible alternative to the BJP nationally. The party has been undertaking organisational reforms, including youth and worker engagement drives, to rebuild its base. The reshuffle is expected to be followed by further changes in other states as part of a systematic review of state leadership.
