Congress vows to usher in changes, Kharge asks non-performers to make way for new faces

In their addresses at the AICC Session, both Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi made it clear that they were bringing in a “change” in the party.

Ahmedabad: The Congress party will start reorganising its district committees, which will become its “foundation” in a new-look organisation, from Gujarat and Rajasthan later this month, even as party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday asked non-performing leaders to make way for new faces.

In their addresses at the AICC Session here, both Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi made it clear that they were bringing in a “change” in the party by empowering District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents with more responsibility and accountability.

In his presidential address at the start of the session on the banks of Sabarmati River, Kharge said he and Rahul have held a series of meetings with DCC presidents in recent times and told them about the guidelines central leadership has prepared for the exercise.

“Within a year of a DCC president’s appointment, they will have to set up committees at booth, mandal and block levels. They will have to make appointments (of office bearers) without partiality and strictly under AICC guidelines. They have to build an organisation,” he said.

“Those who can't give a hand in party work should take rest. Those who don't fulfill their responsibilities should retire. We're going to involve the DCC presidents in candidate selection,” he said.

Addressing the delegates later, Rahul also spoke about the changes in the organisation. “We're going to make the DCCs and district presidents the foundation of the party. We want to give power, responsibility to them. This is the change we are bringing,” he said.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venguopal said the central leadership has prepared clear guidelines and action plans for the new powers that are being given to DCCs. He said both Kharge and Rahul would attend day-long workshops in all states as far as possible while it is being rolled out.

“We are starting with Gujarat with a workshop on April 15 for selecting new DCC presidents which will be followed by Rajasthan on April 28. This is a game-changer,” he said at the Session.

The central leadership has already met 862 district presidents in three batches in Delhi where they were indicated about the unprecedented authority they would be getting. 

The new charges include appointing or sacking office-bearers, which otherwise was done by the state unit, but with a  warning that they will not be allowed to play favourites. They will also have more of a role in candidate selection.

From now on, there will also be a mechanism for direct and regular communication between the central leadership and district presidents. The district presidents have also been asked to set up various wings like media, social media and other departments. An Asset and Properties Department should also be set up, they have been told.