With local self-government elections in Gujarat expected soon after the publication of the final voter list, the Congress high command has stepped in to address growing internal divisions within the state unit and push leaders to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Sensing that factionalism and infighting could hurt the party’s prospects in the civic polls, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) sent a team led by MP Shashikanth Senthil. Senthil is also in charge of Rahul Gandhi’s office.
Sources said the team was in Gujarat for a couple of days and top leaders from all the districts were called. The leaders took stock of the situation. The state party leaders were asked about SIR process. Restoring organisational discipline was also one of the key issues discussed.
Sources indicate that the central leadership has directed the state Congress to eliminate factionalism “at any cost” ahead of the elections. The intervention comes amid visible tensions between senior leaders within the Gujarat unit.
In the recent past there has been a friction between Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani and Patan MLA Kirit Patel over appointment of SC unit head in Patan. The dispute reportedly escalated to such a level that speculation had intensified about Patel possibly switching sides and aligning with the BJP.
With the BJP gearing up for the civic elections, the Congress leadership appears keen to prevent further erosion of its ranks and image.
During his visit, Senthil and members of the AICC team camped in Ahmedabad and held direct meetings with district and city Congress presidents. Each local unit was asked to present a detailed report on organisational work and preparedness for the polls.
In a clear sign that the central leadership wants tighter control over candidate selection, district leaders were instructed to submit a list of potential candidates directly to the AICC. The emphasis, sources said, is on identifying individuals with a clean public image who can aggressively challenge the BJP and what the party describes as the government machinery during the elections.
The high command has also reportedly issued a stern warning against alleged “ticket trading” — a reference to the practice of manipulating candidate nominations for personal or factional gain. Leaders have been cautioned that any such activities will not be tolerated.
Additionally, state leaders with a tarnished image or those making controversial political statements that could harm the party have been advised to step back from the limelight. The instruction, according to party insiders, is to sideline such figures in a “polite” manner to prevent further damage to the Congress’s public perception.
Meanwhile, senior Gujarat Congress leaders Amit Chavda and Tushar Chaudhary were in New Delhi for consultations with the high command on Thursday. Party Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat Shaktisinh Gohil was also present.
It is learnt that during these discussions, the central leadership reiterated its directive to resolve factional disputes immediately and focus entirely on strengthening the party organisation at the grassroots level. Upcoming elections were also on the agenda.
By deploying senior AICC leaders, demanding accountability from district units, tightening the candidate selection process, and issuing warnings against indiscipline, the high command is attempting to project unity and seriousness ahead of the polls.
Whether these measures will succeed in containing factionalism and energising the cadre remains to be seen. For now, the message from Delhi is clear: close ranks, clean up the image, and gear up for the civic elections.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Assures Gujarat Congress Leaders Of Role In Candidate Selection, Slams EC For Bias https://www.vibesofindia.com/rahul-gandhi-assures-gujarat-congress-leaders-of-role-in-candidate-selection-slams-ec-for-bias/
