Congress appoints Devender Yadav as interim chief of Delhi unit

Following the resignation of Arvinder Singh Lovely from the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) presidency, two days later, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) announced Devender Yadav as its interim president. Yadav, also the AICC in-charge in Punjab, steps into the position amidst concerns raised by Lovely regarding the party’s alliance with the AAP.

Announcing Yadav’s appointment, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal emphasised on Yadav taking over the interim president’s position immediately, while continuing his duties as the AICC in-charge of Punjab. “Hon’ble Congress president has appointed Shri Devender Yadav as the interim president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, with immediate effect. He will also continue his role as the AICC in-charge of Punjab,” AICC told the media on Tuesday.

Some Delhi Congress leaders, meanwhile, expressed confidence that the dual-leadership would not lead to any contradictions, emphasising the different electoral dynamics in Punjab and Delhi. “Polls are different in Punjab, but we still have a unified goal… to defeat BJP… it is a friendly competition between AAP and Congress in Punjab,” said a Delhi Congress insider.

A party source said: “He (Yadav) is a young party leader, and will manage the two leaderships with ease… In Delhi, the AICC in-charge for the state, Deepak Babaria, will give directions based on which he will manage DPCC… he has to serve as the face of the Delhi wing till the elections take place.”