Rahul Gandhi’s Mission 2029: Major reshuffle in Congress organisation, UP gets a new Dalit face
In preparation for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party has initiated major changes in its organization. Under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, key decisions have been taken to increase Dalit outreach, boost the morale of grassroots workers, and strengthen street protests. As part of this initiative, street-level leaders like Manickam Tagore and B.V. Srinivas, along with Dalit leader Rajendra Pal Gautam, have been appointed to key positions.
Major Dalit bet in Uttar Pradesh
According to an India Today report, the Congress has appointed Dalit leader and former Delhi AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam as the new in-charge in Uttar Pradesh, replacing Brahmin leader Avinash Pandey. Gautam, who joined the Congress two and a half years ago, has a strong social network. With this move, the Congress wants to send a clear message that Rahul Gandhi’s agenda of “social justice” will now be pursued more aggressively.
Gautam has stated that the Congress party’s doors are always open to all parties that believe in the Constitution, including the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Gautam left AAP after differences with Arvind Kejriwal over reservations and appointments. Impressed by Rahul Gandhi’s honesty and dedication to justice, Gautam joined the Congress.
The ‘Oxygen Man’ Joins the Seva Dal
The party has entrusted former Youth Congress President B.V. Srinivas with the responsibility of revitalizing the 102-year-old frontal organization, the Seva Dal. Srinivas has been appointed Chief Organizer. Srinivas, who earned the nickname “Oxygen Man” during the COVID-19 pandemic, is known for his aggressive style and fearless leadership of street protests. Upon receiving the new responsibility, Srinivas stated that he would transform the Seva Dal into a fearless cadre, a blend of youthful energy and experience, that will defend the Constitution and democracy like Rahul Gandhi’s true “Babbar Sher.”
Manikam Tagore Becomes the 2029 Leader
Manikam Tagore, considered the Congress’s chief troubleshooter in Parliament, has also been given a major organizational responsibility. Tagore has been entrusted with the crucial task of balancing the changing political dynamics in Tamil Nadu and strengthening the party’s support base. Tagore has clarified that this is not just a position but a responsibility, and that his sole mission is to ensure Rahul Gandhi’s election as Prime Minister in 2029, a foundation for which is being laid today.
Revisions in State In-Charges
Considering the balance of power, the Congress has also made major changes to the in-charges of several states. After B.K. Hariprasad was appointed President of Karnataka, Sanjay Dutt has been appointed the new in-charge of Haryana. Lalji Desai has replaced Ajay Lallu as in-charge of Odisha, allowing Lallu to focus fully on the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Party sources say that Rahul Gandhi is now taking more decisive decisions than ever before. Major organizational changes are also expected in Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand in the coming weeks. However, breaking away from a highly centralized structure and strengthening state units to contest elections independently remains the party’s biggest challenge.
