Congress Names Sunil Sharma as Jaipur Urban District President Amid Past Controversy
In a significant political development, the Indian National Congress has appointed Sunil Sharma as the president of its Jaipur Urban District Congress Committee, two years after dropping him as the party's Lok Sabha election candidate from Jaipur. This appointment comes despite previous controversy surrounding Sharma's association with The Jaipur Dialogues, a right-wing organization known for criticizing Congress leaders online.
The 2024 Controversy and Subsequent Reappointment
In March 2024, the Congress party initially announced Sunil Sharma as its candidate for the Jaipur Lok Sabha constituency. However, following significant public outcry and internal party concerns regarding his links to The Jaipur Dialogues, the party withdrew his candidacy. The organization, launched in 2016 by retired IAS officer Sanjay Dixit, has been particularly vocal in its criticism of Congress policies and leadership through various digital platforms.
Despite this setback, the Congress has now chosen to appoint Sharma to lead its Jaipur Urban district unit, a move that party officials insist is well-considered rather than careless. Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal confirmed that the appointments received approval from party president Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasizing the thorough selection process involved.
Party Defense and Sharma's Response
Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi explained that Sharma's appointment resulted from the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, where All India Congress Committee observers conducted extensive consultations with party workers at all levels before finalizing candidates through consensus. "Everyone in Jaipur knows how Sunil ji is; the 2024 controversy was unfortunate, especially because he is known to be secular and has a clean image," stated a senior party leader, defending the decision.
Following his appointment, Sharma expressed his commitment to Congress principles, telling media outlets: "I am a dedicated worker of the Congress party and my commitment to the party is unquestioned." He emphasized that his appointment comes during a period of divisive politics and called for unity behind the party's secular and democratic values.
When questioned about the 2024 controversy, Sharma redirected focus to broader national concerns: "It is not significant whether I would have become an MLA or an MP, the main question is whether India is being saved or not, whether the Constitution is being saved or not." He further elaborated on his political philosophy, referencing the foundational principles established by Jawaharlal Nehru and currently championed by Rahul Gandhi.
Sharma's Background and Local Standing
Sunil Sharma brings substantial local credibility to his new role, being widely recognized in Jaipur for several key attributes:
- Long-standing family association with the Congress party in Rajasthan
- Chairman and Chancellor of Suresh Gyan Vihar University, a prominent private institution in Jaipur
- Reputation for secular politics and clean personal image
- Recognized as an effective orator with broad knowledge across various subjects
During the 2024 controversy, Sharma attempted to clarify his relationship with The Jaipur Dialogues, distinguishing between different entities associated with the organization. He claimed association only with The Jaipur Dialogues Forum, a Section 8 company registered as a charity, rather than J D Digital Private Limited which operates controversial social media accounts. Sharma maintained that his participation in Jaipur Dialogues events aimed to uphold Congress's secular ideals rather than endorse opposing viewpoints.
Political Context and Implications
The appointment comes as Congress completes its organizational restructuring in Rajasthan, having announced presidents for 45 District Congress Committees in November. Jaipur Urban was among the final four districts to receive leadership appointments, with only Rajsamand district remaining without a DCC president.
Sharma's appointment replaces the previous electoral strategy that saw Congress field former Cabinet Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas in the 2024 Jaipur Lok Sabha election, who ultimately lost to BJP's Manju Sharma. The party now appears to be banking on Sharma's local reputation and organizational capabilities to strengthen its urban presence in Rajasthan's capital.
In his new role, Sharma has already begun outlining his political approach, criticizing the BJP for what he describes as democratic distortions through electoral roll revisions and policies affecting social welfare programs. "How will democracy survive if they manipulate the electoral rolls?" he questioned, positioning himself as a defender of constitutional values against what he perceives as threats to India's democratic framework.
The Congress leadership's decision to appoint Sharma despite past controversy suggests a calculated risk, balancing his problematic association with The Jaipur Dialogues against his demonstrated local influence, educational leadership, and perceived commitment to secular politics. As Jaipur prepares for future electoral contests, Sharma's effectiveness in his new role will likely determine whether this controversial appointment proves strategically sound for the Congress party's revival efforts in Rajasthan.
