Cong plans revamp after polls

The Congress plans a major organisational revamp after the Assembly elections. At least six governors are also likely to be shifted.

Uttaranchal Chief Minister Narain Dutta Tiwari, who has been desperate to be relieved of his present responsibility, is set to be appointed a governor, according to party sources.

Apart from him, senior leaders like ML Fotedar, Margaret Alva and Mohsina Kidwai are said to figure on the list of about three dozen names the Congress leadership has sent to the government for consideration for appointment as governors.

Maharashtra Governor SM Krishna, who has been keen to return to "mainstream politics," is likely to be sent to Karnataka. There are vacancies in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh Raj Bhawans, following the resignations of Buta Singh and Sushil Kumar Shinde, respectively.

Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob's term is over. Goa Governor SC Jamir is said to be interested in shifting to Meghalaya. Sources said Tamil Nadu Governor SS Barnala could also be replaced.

Also on the list is Karnataka Governor TN Chaturvedi, who was appointed by the NDA government. A section in the government, however, was in favour of letting him complete his term, sources said.

At the organisation level, there are many contenders for the high-profile post of media cell in-charge, which fell vacant after Ambika Soni joined the Cabinet. AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi is said to be the front runner for this coveted post.

There will be changes in several state Congress committees as well. On top is Maharashtra where PCC chief Prabha Rau and Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh are involved in a running battle.

After the West Bengal election, Pranab Mukherjee could be relieved as PCC chief, according to sources. There will be a reshuffle among AICC general secretaries as well, including a replacement for Ambika Soni, sources said.

Party sources are, however, tight-lipped about five vacancies in the Congress Working Committee, left vacant by the high command when it was re-constituted last January. At the time of the AICC reshuffle last time, there was strong speculation about the induction of Rahul Gandhi in the CWC or as AICC general secretary.