In a significant move, the Congress party revealed on Friday night the formation of a 16-member committee tasked with shaping the party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Heading this committee is P. Chidambaram, a seasoned Rajya Sabha MP and former Finance Minister, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also among the panel members.

The announcement swiftly followed the Congress Working Committee's declaration to initiate election preparations. They aim to swiftly finalize candidates by forming a Screening Committee this month and, within "one or two days," establish a manifesto committee.

Chidambaram takes the helm as Chairman, with former Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister TS Singhdeo selected as the convenor. Notably, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a position within the committee. Siddaramaiah stands as the sole Chief Minister on the panel.

This early formation of a manifesto committee for the Lok Sabha elections marks a first for the Congress party. Some committee members, including Chidambaram, Ramesh, and Sharma, have previously contributed to the manifesto in earlier editions. Sources suggest the committee may actively seek public input and suggestions.

Other key members encompass Congress Working Committee stalwarts Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor, Jairam Ramesh (Congress General Secretary - Communications), and Gaikhangam Gangmei, a former Manipur Deputy Chief Minister.

Additionally, the panel features Congress Lok Sabha Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, All India Professional Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty, K Raju (National Coordinator of SC, ST, OBC, and Minorities Department), Minority Department head Imran Pratapgarhi, Omkar Singh Markam (Madhya Pradesh MLA), Ranjeet Ranjan (Rajya Sabha MP), Jignesh Mevani (Gujarat MLA), and AICC Secretary (Administration) and Coordinator in the party president's office, Gurdeep Sappal.

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