Congress Deploys BV Srinivas in Gujarat — Rahul Gandhi’s Trusted Aide Takes Charge of Key Political Front

Ahmedabad/New Delhi: Ahead of crucial political developments, the Congress party has appointed BV Srinivas as the new co-incharge of Gujarat — a move seen as a strategic attempt to strengthen its position in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state. The appointment comes at a time when Gujarat’s political narrative has been dominated more by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) than the Congress.

BV Srinivas, popularly known as the “Oxygen Man” for his nationwide relief work during the COVID-19 crisis as the Youth Congress president, enjoys a strong reputation as one of Rahul Gandhi’s most trusted lieutenants. The state’s overall charge remains with senior leader Mukul Wasnik.

This move has sparked political speculation that Rahul Gandhi may once again intensify his “Mission Gujarat” after the Bihar election results, especially since he had earlier vowed to defeat the BJP in the state. The Congress leadership appears concerned about AAP’s growing visibility and rising cadre strength in Gujarat.

AAP’s Rising Influence and Congress’s Challenge

Despite replacing Shaktisinh Gohil with Amit Chavda as the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee chief, the party has struggled to make an impact. In contrast, AAP leaders like Gopal Italia, Chaitar Vasava, Isudan Gadhvi, Raju Karpad, and Praveen Ram have managed to build notable followings.
Arvind Kejriwal’s recent attacks on Congress have also added pressure. During his Gujarat tour, Kejriwal alleged that “Congress and BJP are like husband and wife — it’s hard to tell who is who, but there’s definitely a nexus.” He questioned why AAP legislators were being jailed while Congress leaders were spared.

A Test of Rahul Gandhi’s Leadership

Political observers say Rahul Gandhi’s credibility is now at stake in Gujarat. Though elections are not imminent, Congress views the state as politically critical — especially after the BJP’s massive victory last time, when Congress was reduced to just 17 seats, now further dwindled to 12 after several defections.
The BJP currently holds 161 out of 182 assembly seats, while AAP has four after expelling one of its five MLAs.

Strategic Reshuffle

Congress has simultaneously shifted Usha Naidu, who previously handled Gujarat, to Madhya Pradesh. Insiders believe this reshuffle reflects a calculated plan to prepare early for upcoming electoral battles — including the Punjab elections in 2027.

BV Srinivas, a former cricketer from Karnataka, faces a formidable task ahead: to revive the Congress in a state long dominated by the BJP and increasingly influenced by AAP. His appointment signals the party’s intent to regain lost ground and reestablish Rahul Gandhi’s influence in the western bastion.

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