Congress begins hunt for new DK president, targets all eight assembly seats
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, Jul 28, 2026: AICC observer and Kozhikode North MLA K. Jayanth on Tuesday said the Congress is working to build a stronger organisation in Dakshina Kannada with the goal of winning all eight Assembly constituencies in the next state elections.
Speaking at a press conference at the District Congress office in Mangaluru, Jayanth said the party has begun the process of selecting a new district president as part of its initiative to strengthen the organisation from the grassroots.
He clarified that the new district president will not be chosen based on age, caste or religion. Instead, the selection will be based on leadership qualities, organisational skills and overall merit.
Rejecting speculation that only younger leaders would be considered, Jayanth said there is no rule restricting the post to those below 50 years of age. He described the ongoing selection process in Dakshina Kannada and across Karnataka as transparent and democratic, with the focus on identifying capable leaders who can effectively strengthen the party.
Over the next two weeks, consultations will be held across all 17 Block Congress units in the district. The exercise will involve senior leaders, elected representatives, former office-bearers, block presidents, grassroots workers and representatives of various organisations. Based on these interactions, a detailed report on the level of support for each aspirant will be submitted to the party high command, which will take the final decision.
Jayanth said the district president’s key responsibilities include strengthening the party’s booth-level network, encouraging young leadership, increasing women’s participation and effectively addressing public issues. He added that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has consistently emphasised empowering grassroots workers, and the party is looking for a leader who can translate that vision into action.
Responding to a query on why the district president was being selected through consultations rather than an election, Jayanth said seeking the views of party workers and arriving at a consensus candidate is itself a democratic process.
On concerns that senior leaders may continue to influence the selection, he said while their experience and guidance would be respected, no appointment would be made solely on the recommendation of any individual.
Applications open until August 12
Jayanth said there is no fixed deadline for submitting applications for the district president’s post. He will remain in the district until August 12, visiting all 17 Block Congress units, during which interested aspirants can submit their applications.
"Anyone who believes in the ideology of the Congress can submit their details. We will interview every applicant and hold discussions with each one before preparing our report," he said.