In a significant development that has set political circles in Odisha buzzing, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) today announced the appointment of Lalji Desai as the new AICC In-charge for Odisha.
Desai replaces Ajay Kumar Lallu, who had been steering the party’s organisational efforts in the state since early 2025.
The official press release issued by AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, dated June 26, 2026, also named Sanjay Dutt as In-charge for Haryana and Rajendra Pal Gautam for Uttar Pradesh. The party expressed gratitude to the outgoing leaders, including Ajay Kumar Lallu, for their contributions.
Warm congratulations and a heartfelt welcome to Shri Lalji Desai Ji on being appointed as the AICC In-charge for Odisha.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing In-charge Sh @AjayLalluINC ji for his dedicated service and valuable guidance to the Congress family in Odisha.… pic.twitter.com/gQGnVE3GXc— Odisha Congress (@INCOdisha) June 26, 2026
For Congress workers and supporters across Odisha – from the coastal plains of Puri and Cuttack to the tribal heartlands of Koraput and Malkangiri – this change comes as both a surprise and an opportunity. Ajay Kumar Lallu, the former Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, had focused heavily on accountability, booth-level strengthening, and grassroots engagement during his tenure. Many local leaders credit him with bringing a sense of discipline and direct communication between the high command and state units.
Now, the baton passes to Lalji Desai, a seasoned Congress leader known for his deep organisational experience, particularly as Chief Organiser of the Congress Seva Dal. His appointment signals the party high command’s intent to inject fresh organisational energy into Odisha at a time when the party is working hard to rebuild its presence in the state.
As the political temperature in Odisha continues to rise with various issues dominating public discourse, all eyes will now be on how quickly Lalji Desai settles into his new role and what fresh strategies he rolls out for the party in the coming months.
The Congress in Odisha is clearly gearing up for the long haul – and this leadership transition could well mark the beginning of its next phase of organisational strengthening.
