Congress weighs UP leadership change, eyes Brahmin face for state chief?
There is growing buzz within Congress circles about a possible change of guard in Uttar Pradesh, with state party chief Ajay Rai, the regional satrap from Varanasi who contested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, likely to be replaced.
A series of meetings have taken place among the Congress top leadership to deliberate on a change in the state unit, with the party considering either a Brahmin or OBC face. The move is being seen as an attempt to reconnect with its traditional vote bank, particularly by projecting a Brahmin leader at the top.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryTHE CASTE FACTORThe name of Aradhana Mishra, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and MLA from Rampur Khas, and daughter of veteran Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, is doing the rounds as a possible successor.
Aradhana, also known as Mona, is being considered a frontrunner. A three-term MLA, she is well-versed in Uttar Pradesh politics and has taken forward the political legacy of her father, who represented Rampur Khas for nine terms before shifting his focus to Delhi and becoming a Rajya Sabha MP.
The Tiwari family has held sway over the Rampur Khas constituency in Pratapgarh for 47 consecutive years. Aradhana has been active in politics for more than two decades and is considered close to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She also worked extensively with Priyanka during her 'Ladki Hoon, Lad Sakti Hoon' campaign.
A September 8 meeting between Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, Pramod Tiwari and his daughter at the latter's Delhi residence has fuelled speculation about a possible leadership change.
Gautam had visited the senior leader to inquire about his health. However, the meeting has triggered considerable speculation within party circles, with many reading more into it.
Sources told India Today that there has been serious rethinking within the party over the need to reach out to the Brahmin community and that a Brahmin face at the top could work well for Congress.
Rahul Gandhi has been personally monitoring developments in the Uttar Pradesh unit. The decision to appoint Rajendra Pal Gautam, a Dalit leader, as the state in-charge was also taken by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.CONGRESS EYES BRAHMIN-DALIT CONSOLIDATION
The proposed combination of Rajendra Pal Gautam as state in-charge and a Brahmin face as state president could allow Congress to target a broader Brahmin-Dalit consolidation in Uttar Pradesh.
The party could also seek to capitalise on what it sees as an anti-Brahmin perception surrounding the Yogi Adityanath government.
However, questions remain over whether the move is coming too late and why there is an urgent push for a leadership change under a relatively newly appointed state in-charge.
There is also speculation that Rajendra Pal Gautam and Ajay Rai have not been able to work together effectively, with differences emerging over their styles of functioning.
Gautam, however, dismissed such reports at a press conference a few days ago.
"The party is in the midst of its Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan in the state and work has been going on a war footing. We are focusing on strengthening the organisation. These stories about differences between us are being mooted by the BJP mills and there is no truth to it," the state in-charge said.PARTY WEIGHS POLITICAL MESSAGING
There is no official word yet on whether Ajay Rai will be replaced, with senior leaders maintaining silence on the issue.
The proposal may also have hit a hurdle over the question of taking a leader of Ajay Rai's stature into confidence before making any decision.
Congress could also be weighing the political messaging of such a move. With the Assembly elections approaching, replacing Rai could deprive him of the opportunity to face the electoral test after serving as state president for more than three years.
Rai was appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress chief after the 2022 Assembly elections. He subsequently contested against PM Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi.
"All the legwork has been done by the present chief. He fought Lok Sabha elections against Modi and gave him a tough time. He toiled for the past few years and when the elections come, how can you change him?" a Congress party worker said.
Another senior leader said, "An announcement could soon be made to this effect. It could well have the potential to change the dynamics for Congress in UP. A formal announcement could likely be made if things work out."
The final decision will rest with the Gandhi siblings. Any leadership change in Uttar Pradesh is also likely to be closely watched by Congress's arch-rival, the BJP, as well as its ally, the Samajwadi Party.- EndsPublished By: Shipra ParasharPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 22:32 IST
