The Congress party is set to launch a month-long membership registration drive and conduct internal elections for the Youth Congress, starting August 16, as announced by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar.
In a recent press briefing, Shivakumar stated that the nomination process began on July 24, but could not be publicly announced until now due to the ongoing legislature session. The deadline for submission of nomination papers is August 2, with scrutiny occurring from August 3 to 8. Final nominations will be confirmed by August 9. The individual receiving the highest votes will be elected as the Youth Congress president, while the runner-up will take the role of vice-president. An interview process will follow for the top three candidates,” Shivakumar explained. Membership registration is scheduled from August 16 to September 16.
Individuals interested in joining the Youth Congress can register online. New members who obtain online membership will have voting rights for selecting block, district, and State presidents immediately upon registration. Each member will be entitled to vote for six office-bearers, which include the State president and various local leaders.
Eligibility Criteria
Shivakumar emphasized that candidates for the Youth Congress must be under the age of 35 and must possess a voter ID card to vote. He assured that the election process will be transparent, with facial scanning occurring during membership registration. He noted that this initiative to cultivate new leaders is part of a nationwide effort championed by Rahul Gandhi.
“To attain leadership roles at the block, district, and State levels, the youth must develop leadership qualities through democratic elections, not by appointments. The party’s internal elections will be managed by the party election commission,” Shivakumar added.
Celebrating Gandhi’s Legacy
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi assuming the role of Congress president, the party and the State government plan to host a series of programs. An advisory committee, led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil and Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily, has been established to design these initiatives, aiming to educate the younger generation about India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices made for independence, highlighted Shivakumar.
