Bengaluru: Congress is set to introduce a major organisational overhaul that could significantly alter equations in Karnataka, with a key resolution expected at the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) session in Ahmedabad on April 10 and 11.
The move, aimed at decentralising authority and empowering grassroots workers, has been described by party members as a potential “watershed” moment.
Central to this shift is the plan to enhance autonomy of district Congress committee (DCC) presidents, enabling them to function independently of dominant local functionaries. They will report directly to the Central Election Committee (CEC).
“At present, district presidents are nothing more than postmen of top functionaries from the district,” a senior functionary said. “This is expected to change after the AICC meet in Ahmedabad.”
The proposed changes are expected to have a visible impact in Karnataka, particularly in politically sensitive districts like Kalaburagi, Ramanagara, and Mysuru — strongholds of some of the state’s most influential functionaries. Internal discussions suggest that these districts could witness a marked shift in party dynamics once the resolution is passed.
“Congress party is taking serious note of the existing political arena and is aware that it is important to clip wings of strong district functionaries who control the party in states. It will help produce better representatives and bring fresh faces to the fore,” said Congress functionaries.
Signs of internal reorganisation are already evident in Karnataka. State Congress president DK Shivakumar recently appointed some seven new district presidents, a move that has triggered speculation about behind-the-scenes jockeying for control.
“Top district functionaries are exerting immense pressure to get their own people appointed to the post. However, the final call will be taken by the high command,” said a Congress functionary.
Former KPCC working president and current party chief whip in the legislative council, Saleem Ahmed, said the agenda at the AICC session will focus on national party-building goals. “DCC presidents across states were already called to Delhi for a round of talks by the AICC president. This AICC meet will take further steps to officially empower them to take decisions at the district-level,” Ahmed said.
Some 111 Congress members from Karnataka — including ministers, MPs, and AICC members — have been invited to attend the Ahmedabad session but sources say several may skip the event due to prior commitments or health concerns.