Cong overhauls MP units, removes 68 district chiefs

BHOPAL: Congress removed Saturday 68 district presidents in Madhya Pradesh, appointing 71 new chiefs that include six sitting MLAs and eight former legislators. The overhaul is part of Rahul Gandhi's Sangathan Srajan Abhiyan (organisational rejuvenation campaign), launched two-and-a-half months ago in the state.

Raghogarh MLA Jaivardhan Singh, son of former chief minister Digvijaya Singh, has been named district president for Guna, while Digvijaya's nephew Priyavrat Singh takes charge in Rajgarh.

Only three incumbent district chiefs have retained their posts. All three are considered close to state Congress chief Jitu Patwari.

Patwari said the appointments would strengthen the party against BJP, describing district chiefs as the "backbone of the organisation". He said: "Under the guidance of Congress top leadership, the organisation rejuvenation campaign has now reached the stage of responsibilities within the party." Congress claimed 70% of the new chiefs have experience in Youth Congress, NSUI or Seva Dal, with the team's average age between 45 and 50.

Political observers, however, said senior functionaries Digvijaya Singh, Kamal Nath, Patwari and former PCC chief Arun Yadav ensured their supporters found place. Appointments allegedly reflect factional balance: Digvijaya loyalists Jaivardhan Singh, Priyavrat Singh and Vipin Wankhede; Kamal Nath loyalists Vishwanath Okhte, Saurabh Nati Sharma and Ravi Naik; Patwari's backers formed about 20% of the list, while Arun Yadav's supporters gained some slots in Nimar.

Party insiders said district presidents will have authority to recommend candidates for the 2028 assembly elections. "By instating their supporters, senior functionaries have ensured they can endorse their choice of candidates," a party member said, requesting anonymity.

Congress, however, maintained that senior functionaries' recommendations were not entertained.