‘Chintan Shivir’ likely to explore structural revamp to revive Congress

NEW DELHI: Searching for an antidote to its political slide and a message to infuse confidence among demoralised cadre, Congress’s ‘Chintan Shivir’ is likely to explore structural changes to the organisation amid the belief that it will pave the way for better management.
Senior Congress managers working on the three-day brainstorming session said organisational changes are the prime focus, indicating that internal analysis has found that a jaded party structure is impeding smooth functioning and better execution of strategies.
The suggestions start from revival of Central Parliamentary Board for pooling of ideas, to creating a dedicated election machine in the AICC. There is a push for a party arm for round-the-year poll campaigns and strategy, and a seamless chain of command down to the state level for execution of poll plans. There are also suggestions for giving ownership of party to younger generation and to the marginalised groups through enhanced reservation quota.

As many as 35 proposals for organisational revamp will be discussed by the 400-odd delegates, a senior member said. While looking at revving up the machine, Congress believes it needs to amplify its ideological stance to reconnect with masses. The larger idea is likely to focus on how “BJP’s divisive politics around language, lifestyle, religion” is hurting social cohesion, besides resulting in “governance deficit”, evident in “economic downturn and joblessness”.

Crucially, though a call to like minded parties for a united fight against BJP is viewed as important, Congress strategists believe that the crisis facing the party is unprecedented and existential in nature, and the focus in the future will have to be on strengthening Congress.
Revamp and political ideas to reinvent Congress apart, what may limit the Udaipur conclave’s ability to rejuvenate the cadre is that lack of clarity on the leadership issue is likely to continue. Given that organisational polls are scheduled for August, the party will not take a decision on the next party chief, sources said.