A string of missteps has seen Congress lose the momentum that took it to victory in 2023
They are expected to launch an extensive campaign as early as Jan 2027. Kanagolu, along with Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) Congress MP Sasikant Senthil, a former IAS officer, played a key role in the party’s 2023 victory.
Senior party functionaries told TOI that Sunil Kanagolu, the party’s key strategist and chief adviser to chief minister DK Shivakumar , has set up shop and is building a team in Karnataka. However, deputy CM G Parameshwara said the party was not worried about current projections and that there is enough time to prepare. Only after we have the right apparatus in place can the strategists start working,” said a legislator.
Two other agencies believed to be close to Shivakumar have also reportedly been activated to prepare for a challenge from the BJP-JD(S) NDA alliance. The early mobilisation comes as the govt faces mounting criticism over financial concerns, the sting operation controversy and prolonged internal factionalism, which have dented its image and affected cadre morale. Party sources say the strategists would help improve the govt’s image and reshape the political narrative. “For them to operate, the party needs to have cadre strength. We are still in the process of appointing district Congress committee (DCC) presidents and other office-bearers.
Senior Congress legislators, meanwhile, stressed the need to strengthen the party’s organisational structure before the strategists begin work.