The Congress party has appointed new state presidents for Tripura, Meghalaya, and Odisha in a bid to revive its political fortunes ahead of upcoming elections and strengthen its grassroots presence. The changes mark a fresh strategy to energize local leadership and reconnect with voters in key eastern and northeastern states.
Fresh Faces to Lead the Party’s Revival
On Monday, the All India Congress Committee (AICC), under the leadership of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, announced the appointment of the following leaders:
- Asish Kumar Saha as the new president of the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC)
- Ronnie V. Lyngdoh as the head of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC)
- Sarat Pattnaik continues as the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, reaffirming confidence in his leadership
This strategic reshuffling is seen as part of Congress’s broader plan to restructure its state units, improve organizational discipline, and prepare for future electoral battles.
Tripura: Asish Kumar Saha Returns to the Helm
In Tripura, the appointment of senior leader Asish Kumar Saha signals a return to experienced leadership. A former MLA and seasoned party loyalist, Saha had earlier led the Congress during turbulent times and enjoys strong support within the cadre. His return is expected to reignite the Congress base in the state, which has witnessed a surge in BJP and Tipra Motha influence in recent years.
Saha’s immediate challenge will be to reorganize district units, counter BJP’s growing reach, and regain the tribal vote share, which has shifted significantly since 2018. This move is a key part of the Tripura politics update, as Congress seeks to become a serious contender again.
Meghalaya: Ronnie V. Lyngdoh’s Challenge to Rebuild
In Meghalaya, the party has handed over the reins to Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, a veteran politician and former leader of the opposition in the state assembly. With several Congress MLAs defecting to the Trinamool Congress in recent years, the state unit has been in disarray.
Lyngdoh’s leadership is expected to bring stability and focus to the Meghalaya Congress leadership, especially with the 2028 Assembly elections on the horizon. His priorities include rebuilding the organizational structure, addressing internal dissent, and reviving the party’s connect with youth and tribal communities.
He has expressed confidence in reviving the party’s legacy in Meghalaya, once considered a Congress stronghold.
Odisha: Continuity with Sarat Pattnaik
In Odisha, the Congress high command decided to continue with Sarat Pattnaik as the state unit president. Pattnaik, who took over in 2022, has been credited with maintaining internal unity and spearheading issue-based opposition against the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government.
The decision to retain him reflects the party’s belief that stability is key in Odisha ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Pattnaik’s focus will remain on expanding Congress’s rural outreach, countering both BJP and BJD, and consolidating its position as a key opposition force.
His leadership continuity ensures that the Odisha Congress president has a clear roadmap without the disruption of a leadership transition.
Strategic Timing Ahead of Elections
The Congress party’s decision comes at a time when preparations for the 2026 state elections and 2029 Lok Sabha polls are already underway. The new appointments are being viewed as part of a larger effort to decentralize authority, empower state units, and rejuvenate ground-level workers.
These changes also reflect Congress party news of a more agile and responsive central leadership, which is now prioritizing states that have long been neglected or lost to regional players and the BJP.
A Renewed Focus on the East and Northeast
With new state presidents in Tripura and Meghalaya, and a renewed mandate for leadership in Odisha, the Congress is clearly attempting to regain relevance in the eastern and northeastern political landscape. These appointments signal the party’s commitment to returning to its roots, connecting with the people, and offering a strong opposition.
The coming months will test the effectiveness of these leadership changes and determine whether Congress can turn its organizational revamp into electoral gains in these strategically important states.