An organisational reshuffle in the Congress is expected soon with indications that party president Sonia Gandhi may send senior leaders to their home states bound for elections while leaving the younger ones, including Rahul Gandhi, to handle party work at the centre.

The Congress headquarters is abuzz with talk that Ms Gandhi is keen to revamp party units in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh where elections are due some time next year. To rev up the party’s chances, she is planning to send former chief ministers Ashok Gehlot to Rajasthan and Digvijay Singh to Madhya Pradesh.

“The Congress leadership feels that good strategy and a structured campaign can ensure election victory in the two states. Many in the Congress feel that if the ruling UPA  sticks together for the polls, it will come back to power in 2009,” said a party leader.

Sonia’s reshuffle plans are expected to be based on the Congress’ apparent optimism about its poll prospects in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and even Gujarat, where polls are due later this year.

The opposition BJP currently rules all three states.

“It (the AICC reshuffle) is expected to be a Rahul-centric one,” said an MP.