Congress shake-up ahead of 2027 polls? Party to decide on Punjab, UP leadership

The Congress leadership is mulling a change of guard in Uttar Pradesh, along with Punjab, as part of a possible organisational reshuffle in the two key states.

Rahul Gandhi held a one-on-one meeting with Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai yesterday. The crucial meeting reportedly focused on the state of affairs in UP and the leadership issue going forward.

State president Ajay Rai was Rahul Gandhi’s pick for the top post in UP. Rahul Gandhi has also, time and again, highlighted Rai’s electoral contest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

However, ahead of the UP Assembly elections, the Congress may now be looking at reaching out to different social groups and striking the right caste combination in the state. Meanwhile, all may not be well between newly appointed UP in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and state Congress chief Ajay Rai.

A decision on whether Ajay Rai will be replaced will come up at a crucial meeting expected to be held in the next day or two between Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Leadership change in Punjab will also be on the table. The developments come against the backdrop of Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring reportedly being told by the party that he will have to pass the baton to another leader. Sources have confirmed that Warring was informed that he would be replaced.

Raja Warring is expected to come to Delhi and is likely to meet Rahul Gandhi before any formal announcement is made.

With discussions underway over leadership in both Punjab and Uttar Pradesh ahead of next year's Assembly elections, crucial organisational decisions could be in the offing.- Ends