Stage set for organisational changes in Congress

With the announcement of schedule for the Congress president’s election, the stage is also set for major organisational changes in the party.

With the announcement of schedule for the Congress president’s election, the stage is also set for major organisational changes in the party.

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The revamp of the 58-member All India Congress Committee (AICC) is long overdue as 8 ministers in the UPA government also hold key organisational responsibilities.

There are strong indications that the party will strictly enforce “one-person one-post” formula this time to ensure that those who are in the government focus on their ministerial responsibilities and those in the party concentrate on organisational work.

If adopted, the move then leads to the much-awaited reshuffle in the Union Cabinet as as all ministers will be divested of the party work

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was expected to revamp his cabinet last month immediately after Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar asked him to reduce his portfolio that now also includes the presidency of the International Cricket Council.

But the exercise was delayed in view of the monsoon session of parliament and would now be held along with the party restructuring.

Gandhi is all set to assume the reins of the party for the fourth successive term. Her reappointment is just a formality as there is no one in the organisation to challenge her. She holds the record of having served as the Congress president for 12 consecutive years.

Her re-election will be ratified at the party plenary expected to be held within three months after the organisational polls. The CWC will also be reconstituted at the plenary.

The entire process has to be completed by December 2010 as per the deadline set by the Election Commission of India.