Congress Gears Up for Polls: Key Meeting on March 11

The Congress party is gearing up for the Lok Sabha elections with its second Election Committee meeting scheduled for March 11 in Delhi, focusing on candidate discussions. Earlier in the day, prominent party figures such as Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge convened at the party headquarters for a Central Election Committee session to deliberate on Lok Sabha election candidates.

Following the meeting, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal shared insights, stating, “The Central Election Committee today addressed the selection of parliamentary candidates, making decisions for seats across Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, and Lakshadweep. The process is underway, and an official announcement is expected shortly.”

When queried about his potential candidacy in the Lok Sabha elections, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel deferred to the party spokesperson for answers. Congress leader Sachin Pilot reflected on the meeting’s productive nature, noting, “All seats were discussed comprehensively. The Central Election Committee’s decisions will be communicated in due time, with the All India Congress Committee providing updates.”

Congress leader Deepak Babaria remarked on the meeting’s conclusion, suggesting a continued discussion set for March 11. “There was a consensus within the Central Election Committee that further deliberation is needed,” he stated.

Jairam Ramesh, the party’s General Secretary (Communications), emphasized the comprehensive review process, saying, “The Central Election Committee will evaluate all seats, finalizing decisions where possible. It stands as the paramount body for candidate selection.”

Regarding seat sharing, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala teased positive developments expected shortly. With Mallikarjun Kharge at the helm of the committee, which also includes former party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the party is in the final stages of drafting its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, pending review by the Congress Working Committee.

With the Lok Sabha polls anticipated to occur in April-May of this year, the Congress party is in full swing preparing its strategy and candidate lineup for the forthcoming elections.