Madhya Pradesh: Congress bid to rejuvenate organizational structure ahead of Lok Sabha elections-2024; Jitendra Singh replaces Surjewala

Bhopal: In the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections-2024, the Congress party in Madhya Pradesh is undergoing organizational changes. Following the removal of State Congress President Kamal Nath, the All India Congress Committee has now ousted State General Secretary in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. 

National General Secretary Jitendra Singh has been appointed as his replacement, given his previous role as the chairman of the screening committee for assembly elections.

Prior to the assembly elections, the Congress party had replaced JP Aggarwal with National General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala as the state in-charge. Surjewala, who was previously in charge of Karnataka, was transferred to Madhya Pradesh after the Congress formed a government there.

Despite Surjewala overseeing the assembly elections, the party suffered a significant defeat, prompting speculation about organizational changes. The central organization initially appointed Jitu Patwari as president, Umang Singhar as the legislative party leader, and Hemant Katare as the deputy leader, replacing state Congress president Kamal Nath.

The recent change in the state in-charge indicates the party's intent to rejuvenate its organizational structure in preparation for upcoming challenges. Jitendra Singh has been assigned additional responsibilities for Assam and Madhya Pradesh. Sources suggest that Patwari will be given autonomy in his role.

While Patwari has instructed district units and state officials to continue their regular activities, Jitendra Singh, a trusted ally of Rahul Gandhi and former MP from Alwar, Rajasthan, has been entrusted with reshaping the organization. Following the party's electoral setback, Singh visited Bhopal with Randeep Singh Surjewala, engaging in discussions with all candidates and participating in the review meeting led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Meanwhile, Jitu Patwari has initiated preparations for the Lok Sabha elections, scheduling a meeting with the State Mahila Congress and Youth Congress on Sunday. The agenda includes a review of preparations for the upcoming elections and an assessment of the organization's activities, with the participation of state officials and district/city unit presidents.