The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has taken a significant step forward. After functioning without a proper district-level organisational structure for nearly eleven years, the party has finally constituted the Panchkula district Congress Committee. This move clearly signals the start of active preparations for the coming municipal corporation elections in the area.
New Leadership Expresses Confidence
Sanjay Chauhan, who was appointed as the district Congress president back in August, shared his thoughts on this development. He is currently attending a party training camp in Kurukshetra. Chauhan stated that the formation of the executive committee has genuinely energised party workers across the district.
"Party members are excited about the formation of the executive after over a decade," Chauhan told TOI. "We are going to work with renewed energy and focus."
He emphasised that the upcoming MC polls will serve as the first major test for him and his newly formed team. "We have already begun working diligently for the elections," he added confidently. "The party will do very well in these contests."
Strategic Move for Electoral Battles
Party insiders reveal that the Congress is actively assessing the public standing and performance of potential candidates for the elections. Political observers in the region believe this executive formation marks the beginning of a focused and deliberate strategy. The party aims to contest both the mayoral and councillor seats with improved prospects.
It is important to note the political context. The Municipal Corporation, whose term officially ended on January 4, had been under BJP control. However, the local MLA, Chandermohan, represents the Congress and remains an influential force in district politics. This creates an interesting dynamic for the upcoming polls.
Composition of the New Committee
The newly constituted committee consists of thirty members. It has largely sidelined several old and established faces from the district, retaining only a few senior leaders. This executive committee received approval from Haryana Congress president Rao Narinder Singh. It is the first such committee since the last district committee's tenure concluded way back in 2014. For years, the party had been functioning without any formal district-level body.
Formed based on the recommendations of President Sanjay Chauhan, the new executive includes:
- Four Vice-Presidents: Ajay Gautam, Bhulla Ram, Rajinder Singh, and Vikas Bhatt.
- Eight General Secretaries: A mix of new and returning faces appointed to key roles.
- Sixteen Secretaries: Assigned crucial organisational responsibilities across both urban and rural pockets of Panchkula.
The structure is explicitly aimed at strengthening the party's presence throughout the entire district.
Notable Faces in the Leadership
Among the four vice-presidents, Ajay Gautam stands out as the most prominent name. He had earlier left the party before deciding to rejoin. Gautam also contested the previous Assembly polls, bringing some electoral experience to the table. The other vice-presidents—Bhulla Ram, Rajinder Singh, and Vikas Bhatt—are all relatively new to district-level leadership roles, indicating a fresh approach.
This revival of the district committee ends a long period of organisational hiatus. It sets the stage for a competitive electoral battle in Panchkula's municipal corporation elections. The Congress party is clearly banking on this new structure to mobilise workers and connect with voters effectively.
