Congress to Form Small Mandals to Strengthen Organization: Pratibha Singh

Mandi, March 20, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots, Congress State President Pratibha Singh announced that the party would form smaller Mandals (Block Committees) in the state. This announcement, made during a press conference in Mandi, aligns Congress with similar organizational steps already undertaken by the BJP, which had earlier introduced the concept of creating smaller Mandals in large areas for more effective management.

Pratibha Singh explained that in large assembly constituencies, where geographical areas are vast, the party’s high command has suggested the formation of more than one block president. She emphasized that this initiative would distribute responsibility among more individuals, thereby fortifying the organizational structure at the grassroots level. The formation of these smaller units will help Congress ensure more active participation from local leaders and workers, giving them an opportunity to contribute to the party’s growth.

The decision mirrors a similar strategy employed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has already divided its Mandals in certain areas into smaller units. The BJP refers to these units as “Mandals,” while Congress, according to Pratibha Singh, prefers calling them “Block Committees.” Regardless of the nomenclature, both parties share the objective of creating a more effective structure for leadership and decision-making within their respective organizations.

Pratibha Singh further elaborated on how the new structure would be operationalized, stating that the district and block executives will be constituted soon. “In these executive committees, responsibilities will be given to both committed party workers as well as those who have the time to contribute,” she noted. Singh highlighted a challenge many organizations face – office bearers often struggle to contribute meaningfully to the party due to time constraints. The new structure aims to address this issue by ensuring that workers who have the time and dedication are given prominent roles within the committees.

This move also seeks to rejuvenate the party by integrating fresh faces into the leadership structure. According to Pratibha Singh, along with loyal and promising workers, the party will also bring in individuals with time to spare, offering them an opportunity to make a real impact. This is an attempt to ensure a more dynamic and engaged Congress workforce that can respond more effectively to local challenges and demands.

Before making the announcement, Pratibha Singh convened a meeting with Congress leaders and workers from across the Mandi district to discuss the strengthening of the organization. During the session, she listened attentively to their concerns and grievances, reassuring them that their issues would be raised with the government. Singh emphasized that addressing the challenges faced by Congress workers at the local level would be a priority for the party leadership.

This move is being seen as part of Congress’s broader strategy to re-establish its presence in Himachal Pradesh, a state that has been experiencing a fluctuating political landscape. By creating smaller, more manageable committees, Congress aims to foster better communication, more localized decision-making, and more active involvement from workers. This will not only enhance the party’s organizational capacity but also improve its ability to connect with the electorate on a personal level.

The Congress party is looking to capitalize on the increased engagement of local workers, making them stakeholders in the party’s success. By giving people with time and experience more responsibility, it is hoped that the party will gain a more committed and energized workforce that can challenge the dominance of rival parties, such as the BJP, in future elections.

Pratibha Singh’s announcement of these new steps has been welcomed by many party members, who see it as a long-overdue move to address organizational shortcomings. With the promise of a more inclusive and active party structure, Congress is looking forward to a more streamlined and effective operation in Himachal Pradesh. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for similar organizational reforms in other regions of the country.