Kharge’s message at post-reshuffle meet: Reward loyalty, boost grassroots

In his first major meeting with Congress general-secretaries and states-in-charge following the party’s recent organisational reshuffle, party president Mallikarjun Kharge set a firm tone — strengthen the party from the ground up and promote those who remain loyal to the party's ideology even in difficult times.

The meeting, held at the new AICC headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday, underscored the leadership’s commitment to reinforcing its ideological base and prioritising grassroots mobilisation ahead of upcoming electoral battles.

A call for organisational revamp

Kharge instructed office-bearers to initiate a comprehensive overhaul of the party’s structure, spanning from the state level down to individual booths. His message was clear: the Congress needs an agile and committed cadre, particularly those who embody its ideology and stand resolute during adversity.

“You will have to go to the booth level yourselves, work hard, and directly engage with workers. Our frontal cells, including the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), must be actively involved in rebuilding the organisation,” Kharge emphasised, highlighting the importance of a strong and motivated base.

Rahul Gandhi’s imprint on reshuffle

The meeting came in the wake of a significant shake-up in the party’s structure, one that bore the unmistakable influence of Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

His push for social justice was reflected in the reshuffle, with greater representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities. Gandhi, who also addressed the leaders reiterated the need for inclusivity and grassroots connectivity in shaping the party’s future strategy.

Loyalty over expediency

A recurring theme in Kharge’s address was the need to prioritise long-term commitment over opportunism. He stressed that the party should actively nurture and elevate those who have remained steadfast through challenging times.

“We should promote individuals committed to the Congress ideology, those who stand with us like a rock even in adversity. Too often, we bring in people in haste, only for them to leave when circumstances change,” he cautioned.

Kharge also made it clear that accountability would be key, telling leaders that they would be directly responsible for organisational outcomes and electoral performances in their respective states.

Criticism of Modi government

Beyond internal party matters, Kharge also took a swipe at the BJP-led government, pointing to recent controversies surrounding the selection of the chief election commissioner. Additionally, he criticised the Modi government’s response to amistreatment of Indian citizens in abroad, particularly citing instances where Indians were deported from the US in handcuffs.

“Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, our citizens continue to be sent back in handcuffs. Even basic diplomatic protests against such humiliation have been lacking. Our government has failed to stand up for its own people,” he said.

In a sharp critique of governance failures, he also referenced reports of Indian airlines allegedly serving non-vegetarian food to vegetarian passengers, using the incident as a metaphor for the broader insensitivity of the current administration.

A defining moment for Congress

As the Congress gears up for key electoral battles, this meeting signified a renewed focus on party discipline, grassroots mobilisation, and ideological clarity. By calling for a meritocratic and committed leadership structure, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi — both have set the stage for what could be a defining period for the grand old party’s revival.