Priyanka’s revamp plan: Priority to SC/ST, minority in party; age limit of 40 years for district presidents

Contrary to the perception that after Lok Sabha drubbing most of the Congress leaders have been sulking and inactive, the party’s general secretary for Uttar Pradesh (East), Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has been working hard to revamp the organisation in Uttar Pradesh.

After dissolving all the district-level committees in Uttar Pradesh, she has prepared a revamp plan for the party. The plan, as per sources, stresses on injecting fresh blood in the party as well as elevating leaders from SC/ST, minority communities to the top in the party’s hierarchy.

Sources told National Herald that Priyanka - who met over a thousand people including the Congress activists, office bearers, professionals in last few weeks – has instructed party leaders to reconstitute district committees soon.

As per her plan, more than half of the members of the district committees should be young, preferably less than 40 years of age.

“More importantly she has instructed us to induct more women members and people from SC/ST community in the district committees,” said a Congress leader on the condition of anonymity.

According to the plan prepared under the direct supervision of Priyanka, four special teams comprising of AICC general secretaries and a few selected leaders have been formed to do a deep analysis of the poll-debacle.

“These teams have also been tasked to visit each district in eastern Uttar Pradesh, to meet Congress loyalists and old leaders. Their task is to bring them back in the party fold,” said a youth-leader who is closely watching the developments.

Priyanka’s revamp plan aims at rejuvenating Congress’ frontal organisation such as Seva Dal and farmers/workers organisation.

Sources also claimed that Priyanka Gandhi is set to begin her eastern UP tour in July. “Anyone can meet her. The house will be open for all after the review meeting,” said a Congress leader who is busy with finalising the plan for this tour of the Congress general secretary.