In a major organisational overhaul, the Congress has appointed new district and city presidents across Uttar Pradesh, claiming to have prioritised social justice and inclusivity in line with Rahul Gandhi’s vision.

The restructuring comes just two days after the BJP announced its own list of district and city chiefs in the state, signaling intensified political preparations ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee’s Media Department Chairman CP Rai stated that the selection process was conducted transparently, ensuring representation from all communities, including Dalits, OBCs, minorities, and the general category.  “This time, every applicant was interviewed at the state headquarters over six days. Former state presidents, senior leaders, the national general secretary in charge, and other key office-bearers were involved in the selection process,” Rai said.

For the first time, the entire list of district and city presidents was released simultaneously, marking a significant departure from past practices.

The appointments were made through consultations with grassroots workers, senior leaders, MPs, MLAs, and former legislators, reflecting an effort to strengthen internal democracy within the party.

Emphasising women’s participation, Congress said it had followed the spirit of Priyanka Gandhi’s campaign, “I am a girl, I can fight,” by increasing female representation in leadership roles. Additionally, the party aims to build a five-tier organisational structure in the next 100 days to prepare for the 2027 elections.

The newly appointed leaders come from diverse backgrounds: 30 per cent belong to the general category, while 70 per cent are from Dalit, backward, and minority communities.

The party has also focused on youth leadership, with one president under 30 years of age, 24 in the 31-40 bracket and 59 between 41-50 years.  Among the general category leaders, 26 are Brahmins, 12 Thakurs, four Vaishyas, two Bhumihars, one Kayastha and one Tyagi.

With this move, Congress aims to reinvigorate its cadre and strengthen its presence in Uttar Pradesh, where it has struggled in recent elections.

The party hopes that this reshuffle will energise its grassroots network and position it as a strong contender in the state’s evolving political landscape.