Speculation grows over Ashok Gehlot or T.S. Singhdeo becoming Congress’ next General Secretary, Organisation.
New Delhi: There is growing speculation within the Congress party that the former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, could succeed K.C. Venugopal as the General Secretary of Organisation, potentially shifting his role in Kerala politics.
Following the Congress Working Committee meeting in Karnataka, Gehlot’s name circulated widely as a frontrunner for the position. Some leaders attribute this to Gehlot’s lobbying efforts, claiming he has placed allies in key positions to drive this narrative.
According to senior Congress leaders familiar with the leadership’s thinking, it is unlikely that Venugopal will be replaced. A senior leader explained that powerful figures in Kerala, who have long been positioned to lead the state if Congress comes to power in the 2026 Assembly elections, would likely oppose any new political entrant, potentially causing tensions within the party in Kerala.
A Congress leader close to Kerala leadership said, “Congress believes the anti-incumbency against the left government will help us win the upcoming Assembly elections, and we need someone at the top who is well accepted by the cadre. Venugopal is certainly not that person.”
Meanwhile, Chennithala, the current General Secretary in charge of Maharashtra, who wields significant influence and has a strong political network in Kerala, is making efforts to position himself as the state’s leader. However, if the high command decides against him, a senior leader said that Chennithala could take drastic steps that might harm the party’s interests in Kerala.
Another rumour circulating in the Congress circles suggests that Venugopal may be promoted to a newly created position of political advisor to the AICC president. However, two Congress parliamentarians close to the leadership dismissed this possibility, calling it unrealistic. This comes amid a backdrop of tension between AICC President, Mallikarjun Kharge, and K.C. Venugopal, with differing approaches to securing control within the organisation.
A Congress MP privy to the developments said, “For now, there is no certainty that Venugopal will be replaced. And if he is, it won’t be difficult for the leadership to adjust him in Kerala. The rumour about Gehlot becoming GSO is just popular buzz. It may not even be coming from the Gandhis, who are ultimately the decision-makers.”
A political observer said, “There are a few important things that should be considered, if Gehlot is appointed GSO, would it mean that the Gandhis have forgotten the rebellion he led when he was the Rajasthan CM? What message is it going to send? It will encourage others to do whatever they want to. Why is his name resurfacing despite being written off by the Gandhis earlier? Is someone lobbying for him?”
According to other individuals privy to the developments, former Deputy Chief Minister of Chattisgarh, T.S. Singhdeo, has emerged as another potential candidate for the role of General Secretary of Organisation.
A political observer said, “He is not to be taken lightly. He is a serious contender. Above all, he has been loyal to the Gandhis. What more does he need more to be elevated to the position?”
The MP added, “If Singdeo is considered for a top role, it could mean he might be in line for the General Secretary position. There is a belief that significant changes are coming in the organisational reshuffle, though nothing is certain at this point.”