Karnataka: Congress wants organizational rejig

Mangaluru: The Congress in Karnataka is riding high following the resounding victory in the Assembly election and the successful implementation of the election guarantee schemes. However, with the ensuing Parliament election, a section of party members and leaders want the High Command to take measures to bolster the party's organizational structure in the state.

They believe such measures will strengthen the party and will also ensure their achievements reach people and translate into votes.

In the assembly election, Congress won 135 seats and has implemented four of its five promises, with the fifth to be realized by December. Despite the success, party insiders stress the importance of strengthening the party's organizational structure in the state.

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that while the victory in Assembly polls was due to multiple factors, including national leaders' visits and anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP, it should not be taken as an indication of success in the Parliamentary elections.  .

Drawing from past experiences, the leader pointed out that in 2014 and 2019 parliament elections, the BJP managed to grab seats in Karnataka despite being not in power in the state.

"In the assembly election, Congress leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, focussed on the state, holding meetings and garnering support. However, during the Parliament election, such concentrated efforts may not be feasible. Unless we strengthen the party's organizational structure which would chalk out strategies for the victory of party candidates, it won't be easy," the leader told Deccan Chronicle.

Another senior office-bearer cited the example of the 2018 assembly election in Karnataka to highlight the necessity of a robust party organization to reach the grassroots level.

"Congress ruled the state from 2013 to 2018, implementing various projects, including the renowned Anna Bhagya Yojana, which benefited many families. However, the party failed to convey the achievements made to the people and convert them into votes," he said.

He also pointed out the example of Uttar Pradesh where the party is finding it difficult due to the absence of a strong party organization.

Party leaders argue that the High Command should address the concerns seriously. While the government initiatives have garnered public attention, the challenge lies in effectively conveying them to the electorate and making them aware of the advantages of bringing Congress to power.

"It is the responsibility of the party to effectively communicate the achievements to the public. Additionally, the party organization must emphasize the significance of bringing Congress to power and convey to the people that a Congress-led Center can facilitate initiatives like providing additional rice through Anna Bhagya (which the NDA government has denied providing) and various other projects. For this, a strong and well-structured party structure is essential," he added.