The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has appointed Lalji Desai as the new Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in-charge for Odisha, replacing Ajay Kumar Lallu. The appointment is part of a nationwide organisational reshuffle undertaken by the Congress high command to strengthen the party’s state units and improve coordination ahead of future political and electoral challenges.
The official notification was issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal with the approval of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. The latest reshuffle reflects the party’s strategy of assigning experienced organisational leaders to key states to strengthen grassroots activities and streamline party functioning.
Lalji Desai Takes Charge of Odisha
Lalji Desai has been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Congress organisation in Odisha at a crucial time when the party is looking to rebuild its support base and strengthen its organisational structure across the state.
Before receiving this assignment, Desai served as the National Chief Organiser of the Congress Sevadal, the party’s volunteer wing. During his tenure, he played an important role in coordinating organisational activities and strengthening the Congress network at the grassroots level.
Following his appointment to Odisha, the Congress leadership has named B.V. Srinivas as the new Chief Organiser of the Congress Sevadal.
Nationwide Organisational Reshuffle
The Odisha appointment is part of a broader organisational overhaul announced by the AICC across several states.
Under the latest reshuffle:
- Lalji Desai has been appointed Odisha PCC in-charge.
- Ajay Kumar Lallu has been relieved of his responsibilities in Odisha.
- Senior Congress leader Sanjay Dutt has been appointed the new in-charge for Haryana.
- Rajendra Pal Gautam has been assigned organisational responsibility for Uttar Pradesh.
- B.V. Srinivas will now head the Congress Sevadal as its Chief Organiser.
The Congress leadership believes these appointments will improve organisational coordination and strengthen the party’s presence across different states.
Focus on Strengthening the Odisha Unit
Soon after his appointment, Lalji Desai said his immediate priority would be to hold discussions with party leaders and workers at every level to understand the challenges facing the Odisha Congress and prepare a roadmap for organisational revival.
He said consultations would be held with senior leaders, district presidents, block-level functionaries, youth leaders and grassroots workers to improve coordination and strengthen the party’s outreach among the people.
“I will meet everyone and take their opinions on various things, starting from work procedure in the organisation to raising the issues of Odisha people. We will ensure to win the hearts of Odisha people and strengthen the willpower of our members to work for the betterment of the citizens,” Desai said.
He added that the party would focus on highlighting public issues while encouraging greater participation from workers at every organisational level.
Review Meetings to Begin in Bhubaneswar
The Odisha Congress headquarters in Bhubaneswar is expected to announce Lalji Desai’s visit schedule shortly.
During his visit, Desai is likely to hold a series of review meetings with working presidents, district Congress committee chiefs, block-level leaders, frontal organisations and senior office-bearers to assess the current organisational structure and chalk out future strategies.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening booth-level committees, expanding membership, improving coordination between party units and increasing public engagement across Odisha.
Congress Eyes Organisational Revival
Political observers believe the appointment signals the Congress leadership’s renewed emphasis on reviving the party’s organisational machinery in Odisha.
With fresh leadership, organisational restructuring and greater grassroots engagement, the Congress hopes to improve its political presence in the state and reconnect with voters ahead of future elections.
The upcoming meetings under Lalji Desai’s leadership are expected to shape the party’s organisational roadmap and define its strategy for expanding its footprint across Odisha in the coming months.
