Cong leadership

Chandan Yadav, who has been made the secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh, agrees. “He [Gandhi] has been trying for a more inclusive Congress in a real sense. That is why we see social, regional and gender balance. Even professionals from different fields have been included in the party and given responsibilities,” he said. The Congress has long been criticised for encouraging dynastic politics, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly targeting the “one family” that ruled the country for 37 years since Independence.

While the shift at the second rung has started, a large section of the top leadership — apart from the Nehru-Gandhi family — comes from political families.

Political experts called the new appointments a step in the right direction, with a caveat that these secretaries should be allowed to work independently.

“This is also a good measure towards inclusive politics because a new crop of leaders from non-political families will emerge,” Delhi-based political analyst N Bhaskara Rao said.

“They should not be dictated to from Delhi. If you appoint good people, but don’t allow them to work, it will not take the party any far. There will also be a significant political dividend if they are allowed to work independently,” Rao added.