The Congress party’s campaign for the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections was strategically executed from its war room, which was established in Bengaluru under the guidance of KPCC vice-president Sooraj Hegde and KPCC general secretary Mehroz Khan. The war room was headed by Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka.
At its core, the war room served as a central coordination hub for all Congress candidates throughout Karnataka. The dedicated members of the war room provided assistance to candidates in filing nominations, organizing necessary documentation, addressing nomination-related issues, and ensuring full compliance with the Election Commission’s requirements. They also offered training to equip booth workers for their roles on election and counting days.
Mehroz Khan, an experienced member of war rooms, highlighted the significance of such setups for political parties. He stated that war rooms have become a mandatory aspect to ensure smooth communication, effective coordination, streamlined messaging, and prompt action based on political intelligence and surveys.
To efficiently handle the diverse tasks, the Congress war room in Bengaluru established several dedicated groups, each responsible for specific desks. Karnataka was divided into key regions, including Bengaluru, old Mysuru, central Karnataka, coastal Karnataka, Kittur Karnataka, and Kalyan Karnataka, allowing for focused attention and efficient task management. Talented individuals from frontal organizations like Youth Congress, NSUI, and All India Professional Congress were requisitioned to lead various desks and manage different responsibilities within the war room.
The war room’s primary objective was to provide comprehensive support to Congress candidates by ensuring their smooth functioning during the electoral process. From assisting with the nomination process to maintaining compliance with election regulations, the war room played a pivotal role in empowering candidates with the necessary resources and guidance to run effective campaigns. Additionally, the war room leveraged political intelligence and surveys to inform decision-making and devise impactful messaging strategies.
With its efficient communication channels and well-coordinated efforts, the Congress war room in Bengaluru played a crucial role in enhancing the party’s organizational capabilities during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. By capitalizing on the strengths and talents of its members, the war room contributed to the party’s overall campaign effectiveness and demonstrated the importance of strategic planning and coordination in contemporary political landscapes.