Congress Revamps Leadership: Pilot Takes Punjab, Surjewala Gets Gujarat & Karnataka

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) rolled out a major organisational shake‑up on Saturday, with new appointments that will take effect immediately. In a press release signed by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, veteran leader Sachin Pilot was named General Secretary in‑charge of Punjab. The move, many insiders say, is meant to inject fresh energy into the party’s campaign in the state.

Alongside Pilot’s promotion, Randeep Singh Surjewala received a double‑deal – he will now oversee both Gujarat and Karnataka as General Secretary in‑charge. Surjewala, known for his legal acumen, is expected to steer the Congress’ strategy in these poll‑bound states.

Another big shift saw Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel transferred from Chhattisgarh to Assam, where he will act as General Secretary in‑charge. The party’s rationale appears to be capitalising on Baghel’s grassroots experience ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly elections.

Other notable changes include Sukhdeo Bhagat taking charge of Chhattisgarh, Sirivella Prasad being handed Maharashtra, and P.V. Mohan assigned to Andhra Pradesh. The release also thanked outgoing in‑charges Jitendra Singh, Ramesh Chennithala and Manickam Tagore for their service, while confirming that Mukul Wasnik will continue as AICC General Secretary.

On the digital front, Congress has been busy bolstering its social‑media apparatus. Earlier on August 29, the party named Sandeep Gupta and Akshit Singh as National Coordinators for the Uttarakhand election‑related digital push. Similar appointments were made for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur, with figures like Pranav Vachharajani, Ayush Pandey, Amarjeet Singh and Vipin Yadav taking charge of various online campaigns.

These appointments come as the Congress scrambles to organise itself ahead of a series of state assembly polls slated for later this year. While the reshuffle has stirred conversation within party ranks, analysts suggest that the real test will be how these leaders translate their new responsibilities into votes on the ground.

(ANI)