AICC Cracks the Whip in Sadar Hills as Congress Launches Aggressive Grassroots Overhaul Under SSA

In a decisive push to revive and restructure the Congress party’s organisational machinery in Sadar Hills, senior leaders deputed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan (SSA) held a high-powered, threadbare interaction with party workers and office bearers at NC Event Hall, Sapermeina in Kangpokpi District today.

The strategic engagement, aimed at revitalising the party’s grassroots network and strengthening booth-level structures, comes in line with the directives of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who have called for an urgent and structured rebuilding of the Congress base across the Northeast.

Leading the charge was Christopher Tilak, AICC Secretary and Manipur In-Charge, accompanied by HC Yogesh, AICC Observer for Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan to the Sadar Hills District Congress Committee (DCC), and Anwar Hussain, Secretary, MPCC and SSA Observer to Sadar Hills. The delegation was accorded a warm reception by the Sadar Hills DCC leadership, signalling renewed enthusiasm within the district unit.

The meeting, moderated by Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip, Vice President, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) and PCC Member from 51-Saitu, witnessed intense deliberations on structural reforms, cadre mobilisation, accountability mechanisms, and strategies to reconnect with grassroots workers. Leaders emphasised the need for discipline, inclusivity, and a performance-driven organisational culture.

Block-level restructuring, reconstitution of frontal organisations, and strengthening of Mahila Congress and Youth Congress wings were discussed at length. The observers reportedly sought candid feedback from party workers regarding organisational gaps, internal coordination, and outreach challenges in the district.

The meeting was attended by Sadar Hills DCC Working President Andrew Gangmei, District Mahila President Neinu Kipgen, DCC General Secretary JR Rangsonglar Chiru, along with presidents and secretaries of Mahila and Youth Congress units from all three Assembly segments — 46-Saikul, 50-Kangpokpi, and 51-Saitu.

HC Yogesh, Observer of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for Manipur under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan asserted that the selection of the District Congress Committee (DCC) presidents in Manipur including Sadar Hills will be conducted through a “free, fair and transparent” process without political influence.

He emphasized that the process is open to all eligible Congress workers. From grassroots cadre members to senior functionaries, every aspirant has an equal opportunity to contest. “Anyone can apply. Anyone can contest. Within a month, a deserving leader can emerge as the District Congress President purely on merit,” he said.

The AICC Observer underlined that the new leadership will not only head the district unit but will also be entrusted with strengthening the party structure ahead of the upcoming elections in Manipur. He assured that the AICC would stand firmly behind the elected leadership in preparing for future electoral battles.

He also noted that aspirants earlier had to depend on recommendation letters, travel to Imphal to meet state leaders, or even visit Delhi seeking approval. “That culture is changing. There will be no favoritism, no lobbying, and no shortcuts. Only defined criteria and proven work will count,” he declared.

"The era of blessing politics is over. No minister, no MLA, no influential individual will decide who becomes the District Congress President. Only the strength, credibility, and commitment of the candidate will matter", Yogesh firmly asserted.

He further explained that aspirants must demonstrate organizational capability, ideological commitment to Congress principles, and the ability to build and sustain grassroots structures. For those without prior leadership roles, he encouraged them to begin building their political journey through membership drives, Youth Congress, NSUI, Minority Congress, or other organizational wings.

“This is not merely about filling a post. It is about recognizing genuine workers who have contributed but remained unacknowledged. This is their platform,” Yogesh added.

Explaining the primary objectives of Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip described the exercise as “a turning point” for the Congress in Sadar Hills, asserting that the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is not merely symbolic but a serious organisational audit designed to rebuild credibility, energise cadre strength, and prepare the party for future political battles in the state.

He said that Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan is a reformative initiative of the AICC to select district Congress presidents, involving all blocks, stakeholders, party leaders, and cadres, with individual consultation in a transparent way.

With a clear message from the central leadership and visible momentum on the ground, the Congress appears poised to recalibrate its strategy in Sadar Hills — a region considered politically crucial in Manipur’s evolving landscape.