Decision on Cong working committee likely this week

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to hold a meeting with former president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday to discuss the team that will lead India’s main Opposition party into key assembly elections this year and the Lok Sabha polls in 2024, according to people aware of the matter.

- Sunetra Choudhury

NEW DELHI: The party is expected to announce a new Congress Working Committee (CWC), some new general secretaries, and some new heads of state units, or Pradesh Congress Committees (PCC).

While details of the new team are still under wraps, Kharge has reached out to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for a larger role, HT has learnt. There are several new faces expected in CWC in line with the party’s aim that 50% of the members are from the Dalit and backward classes communities, and those under 50 years of age.

Priyanka Gandhi stepped down as general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh last year to make way for a new team. She told Kharge she was willing to take on any role suggested by the party high command, according to two people aware of details who spoke on condition of anonymity. What will be discussed in Thursday’s meeting is whether she will take on an existing position that gives her the ability to work in all states due to elect new assemblies, or whether a new position will be created; for instance, one called general secretary (elections).