Cong appoints Baghel, Shivakumar observers for Assam poll, Pilot for Kerala

The Congress on Wednesday appointed several senior leaders as AICC observers for key poll-bound states, including Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, signalling early mobilisation and central oversight.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary KC Venugopal said the appointments had been made with immediate effect. The observers would oversee political strategy, organisational preparedness and coordination with state units as the party readies itself for high-stakes electoral battles.

For Assam, the party has deputed former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and senior leader Bandhu Tirkey. The selection reflects a mix of administrative experience and organisational heft, with the leadership clearly banking on leaders who have handled both governance and intense political contests.

Kerala, where the party is looking to regain ground after recent setbacks, will be monitored by a relatively high-profile team, comprising Sachin Pilot, KJ George, Imran Pratapgarhi and Kanhaiya Kumar.

In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Congress has named Mukul Wasnik, Uttam Kumar Reddy and Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin as senior observers. The appointments indicate the party’s intent to strengthen coordination within the alliance framework, while rebuilding its own organisational base in the southern region.

The Assembly poll in West Bengal, where the Congress continues to struggle for political relevance amid a polarised contest, will be overseen by Sudip Roy Barman, Shakeel Ahmad Khan and Prakash Joshi. Their task is expected to involve reviving the party’s cadre network and sharpening its political messaging in a state dominated by the TMC and the BJP.

Party sources said the observers have been asked to immediately begin consultations with state leaders and submit periodic reports to the central leadership. The move is seen as part of the Congress’s broader attempt to avoid last-minute firefighting and instead put in place an early, structured campaign strategy.