At a high-stakes session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) held on the banks of the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a no-nonsense statement that sent a clear message through the party’s ranks: those who are not helping with party work must step aside and retire. The strong remarks were aimed at revamping the party's internal discipline and energizing its core leadership structure ahead of key political battles.

Strong Message to Inactive Leaders

Kharge's message was loud and clear – the Congress party will no longer entertain passive leadership. “Those who do not help in party work need to rest, and those who do not fulfil their responsibilities must retire,” said Kharge, drawing thunderous applause from party members present at the session.

This stern warning to non-performing leaders is being seen as an attempt to weed out complacency from the ranks of the party and inject a sense of urgency, accountability, and purpose among its office bearers. The Congress president's remark also signals a shift towards performance-based recognition in the party's hierarchy.

District Leaders Get Bigger Role

In a significant organisational decision, Kharge announced a major change in the role of district Congress committee presidents, stating that they will now be actively involved in the selection of party candidates for elections. This move is seen as a decentralisation strategy, aimed at strengthening the party at the grassroots level and allowing more local voices in decision-making.

He further stated that the appointment of district presidents will henceforth be conducted strictly and impartially as per AICC guidelines, underscoring the importance of transparent and merit-based appointments within the Congress organisation.

“The role of district presidents is going to be important in the formation of the organisation,” he added, signalling that the Congress is serious about rebuilding from the ground up.

Attack on Election Commission

In his address, Kharge did not hold back when criticising the Election Commission (EC) over its handling of the Maharashtra elections held in 2024. Echoing opposition concerns, Kharge alleged “fraud” and irregularities in the elections and accused the Election Commission of turning a blind eye to wrongdoing.

He went further, saying the EC not only ignored the complaints raised by the opposition but also “taunted” the political parties raising genuine concerns. This criticism reflects a growing distrust in the electoral process among some opposition parties, particularly in light of the alleged misuse of institutions.

Pitch for Paper Ballots

Kharge also reignited the debate on electronic voting by making a strong pitch for returning to paper ballots. His call adds to the growing chorus within opposition ranks that have been demanding a re-evaluation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) amid claims of manipulation and lack of transparency.

The Congress president’s call to return to paper ballots is based on the argument that paper voting ensures a more transparent, auditable, and trustworthy system for both candidates and the electorate.

Party Revamp Underway

Kharge’s statements are being seen as part of a larger effort to revive the Congress party and make it election-ready. With multiple state elections on the horizon and 2029 General Elections in sight, the party is under pressure to streamline its structure, cut dead weight, and project a unified leadership.

This approach also aligns with the internal feedback received from party workers, many of whom have demanded that non-performing senior leaders step down and younger, grassroots-level workers be given more opportunities and responsibilities.

Congress Workers Welcome the Tough Talk

Within the Congress fold, Kharge’s bold speech has resonated with workers and mid-level leaders, many of whom feel empowered by the push for greater accountability at the top. The empowerment of district presidents is being seen as a way to reconnect the party with its base, something it has struggled with in recent years.

A Congress worker from Gujarat remarked, “This is the kind of leadership we need – someone who sets clear expectations and leads from the front.”

Response from Political Circles

While the Congress party welcomed Kharge’s no-nonsense approach, political analysts noted that this marks a shift in tone from previous leaderships, which were often accused of being lenient or indecisive about internal party discipline.

The opposition parties have yet to officially respond to Kharge’s remarks, but the criticism of the Election Commission and demand for paper ballots is likely to find support among other non-BJP parties, who have been raising similar demands in recent months.

What It Means for the Congress Party

Kharge’s remarks could potentially set the stage for a massive reshuffle within the Congress leadership, particularly at the state and district levels. By prioritising performance and transparency, the party hopes to create a stronger and more cohesive election machinery capable of challenging the ruling BJP.

Moreover, empowering district units to have a say in ticket distribution could help the Congress avoid internal conflicts, often caused by candidate imposition from the central leadership.

Conclusion

The Congress party under Mallikarjun Kharge is clearly trying to shed its old image of complacency and internal dysfunction. With tough talk on accountability, a call for electoral reforms, and steps towards decentralisation, the party seems to be laying the groundwork for a more performance-oriented structure.

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