In a significant move within the Delhi Congress, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed Devender Yadav as the interim chief of the party’s Delhi unit. This decision comes in the wake of Arvinder Singh Lovely’s resignation, citing his inability to continue without autonomy and his critique of the party’s alliance with AAP.
According to a statement released by the Congress, Kharge has appointed Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) with immediate effect. Yadav, who currently serves as the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) Punjab in-charge, will now take charge of the Delhi unit as well, while continuing his role in Punjab.
Expressing gratitude for the appointment, Yadav affirmed his commitment to the party’s vision. “My heartfelt thanks to Sh Kharge ji, Smt Sonia Gandhi ji, Rahul Gandhi ji, KC Venugopal ji, and Smt Priyanka Gandhi ji and all senior leaders of the Congress, for the faith they have bestowed in me yet again!” Yadav said, adding, “Will try my best to tread the coveted and ideological vision party has laid for me and give my 100 per cent!”
Support for Yadav’s appointment also came from Congress leader Ajay Maken. He asserted that Yadav is the right choice for the post, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party despite differences. “In politics, things don’t always go our way…He (Devender Yadav) is the right choice, and I wish him success in his new role,” Maken stated.
Lovely’s resignation highlighted internal discord within the Delhi Congress. In his letter to Kharge, Lovely expressed frustration over the unilateral decisions made by the AICC’s Delhi in-charge Deepak Babaria, which undermined the authority of senior Delhi unit leaders. He criticized the party’s alliance with AAP, stating that it went against the wishes of the Delhi Congress Unit.
Since Lovely’s appointment in August 2023, he faced obstacles in making key appointments within the DPCC. He highlighted that the AICC General Secretary (Delhi In-charge) had vetoed unanimous decisions by senior Delhi Congress leaders and prevented the appointment of a media head and block presidents. This resulted in significant vacancies within the party’s organizational structure.
Lovely also criticized Congress candidates Kanhaiya Kumar and Udit Raj for their statements and alleged that tickets were given to individuals unfamiliar with Delhi Congress and its policies.
The appointment of Devender Yadav as the interim chief reflects the Congress leadership’s attempt to address internal dissension and revitalize the party’s presence in Delhi politics. Yadav’s experience and commitment to the party’s ideology make him a crucial figure in navigating the challenges ahead. As the party prepares for future electoral battles, unity and effective leadership within the Delhi unit will be essential for its success.
