Who Are the Newly Appointed 'Senior Observers' for Upcoming Assembly Elections?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress appoints senior leaders for key state elections.
- Focus on regaining lost influence in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal.
- Strategic move to empower experienced leaders.
- Concerns arise over the absence of heavyweight figures in West Bengal.
- Upcoming elections set for April and May.
New Delhi/Kolkata, Jan 7 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has taken decisive action by appointing party leaders as AICC Senior Observers for the imminent Assembly elections in the states of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, effective immediately.
According to a press release from the AICC, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Bandhu Tirkey have been assigned as senior observers for the Assam elections.
Additionally, for the Kerala Assembly polls, the Congress has appointed former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Sachin Pilot, Karnataka Minister K.J. George, Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi, and Kanhaiya Kumar as senior observers.
For Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the party has designated Mukul Wasnik, Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, and Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin as senior observers.
In West Bengal, the Congress has appointed Sudip Roy Barman, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, and Prakash Joshi as senior observers.
This announcement comes in anticipation of the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, expected to take place in April and May, coinciding with the conclusion of the respective state assemblies' tenures in May and June.
The selection of senior leaders for the upcoming elections is crucial as the Congress aims to reclaim its footing following previous electoral setbacks.
After a disappointing performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, the party is now focused on securing victories in the upcoming state elections. Thus, it has empowered seasoned leaders, including former Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers, to lead the campaign and implement necessary changes.
However, the lack of a heavyweight leader among the appointed senior observers for West Bengal has drawn attention.
This raises concerns within political circles regarding the party's commitment to mounting a serious challenge against the ruling Trinamool Congress, particularly given the Congress's limited presence in the state.