Digvijaya Singh Calls for Decentralised Reforms in Congress

Senior Leader Flags “Overcentralisation”

During the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Saturday, December 27, 2025, Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh highlighted significant gaps in the party’s organisational framework. He criticised what he described as “overcentralisation” and pointed out that key structural reforms within the party remain pending.

Election Management Department Yet to be Formed

Mr. Singh questioned why the “election management department” has still not been established, despite previous CWC resolutions. The creation of this department was first announced in May 2022, following a CWC meeting in Udaipur, Rajasthan, yet no tangible progress has been reported.

Appointment Without Grassroots Machinery

Sources revealed that Mr. Singh expressed concern over the top-down appointment of State and district presidents by Delhi-based leaders, noting the lack of a functional party machinery at the grassroots level. He argued that this deficiency negatively impacts the party’s day-to-day operations and electoral preparedness.

Social Media Posts Highlight Organisational Observations

An hour before the CWC meeting, Mr. Singh posted on X, tagging Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh, as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the post, he lauded the organisational strength of the RSS and BJP, sharing a vintage photo of Mr. Modi seated at the feet of former BJP president LK Advani, calling it “impressive.” He wrote, “An RSS/BJP grassroots leader who sat at the feet of his party’s leaders became Chief Minister and Prime Minister. This is the power of the organisation.”

Calls for Decentralised Reforms Within Congress

Earlier, on December 19, Mr. Singh had emphasised the need for Congress reforms, despite appreciating Rahul Gandhi’s focus on socio-economic issues. While acknowledging the “Sangathan Srijan” (organisation recreation campaign), he stressed the importance of pragmatic and decentralised functioning within the party. “I am sure you would do it because I know you can do it. Only problem is that it is not easy to ‘convince’ you!!” he had remarked.

Remarks Create Buzz Ahead of Rajya Sabha Term End

Both his X posts and statements at the CWC meeting sparked a stir within the party. Speaking to reporters, Mr. Singh reiterated his opposition to the BJP and RSS, criticising their disregard for constitutional principles, while simultaneously admiring their organisational discipline. He underlined that Congress must strengthen its structure down to the booth level to translate popular support into electoral gains.

Context of Rajya Sabha Tenure and State-Level Politics

His remarks surface about six months before his Rajya Sabha term ends in May 2026, at a time when several leaders are reportedly eyeing the seat. Mr. Singh has been vocal about delays in the Madhya Pradesh Congress’ organisational revamp, though his aides insist that his comments are not linked to personal political ambitions. Instead, they say he is focused on engaging more closely with the State Congress and its restructuring efforts, planning extensive travel across Madhya Pradesh post-tenure.

Madhya Pradesh Congress Leadership and Pending Committees

Madhya Pradesh party president Jitu Patwari assumed office in December 2023, but key committees within the state party remain unformed, a concern Mr. Singh has raised repeatedly at party meetings.

BJP Welcomes Singh’s Remarks

The BJP welcomed Mr. Singh’s observations as recognition of its organisational mobility. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that the vintage photo of Mr. Modi exemplifies the party’s working model, where grassroots leaders, through talent and organisational support, can ascend to the highest positions.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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