Congress Appoints Gaurav Gogoi As Deputy Lok Sabha Leader, K Suresh Retains Chief Whip

Congress announced on Sunday that Gaurav Gogoi will continue as its Deputy Leader in Lok Sabha. Senior MP Kodikkunnil Suresh will remain the party's Chief Whip in the Lower House.

Party General Secretary K C Venug shared that Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, has informed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about appointments.

Photo Credit: PTI

Venugopal stated, "Guided by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Congress and INDIA parties will energetically champion the people's causes in the Lok Sabha."

He made this announcement through a post on X.

The letter from Sonia Gandhi also mentioned the appointment of two senior MPs—Manickam Tagore and Mohd Jawaid—as Whips.

Gogoi, a 42-year-old MP from Jorhat, Assam, is considered close to Rahul Gandhi. He was also the party's Deputy Leader in the previous Lok Sabha. His reappointment follows his effective articulation of Congress' stance in the Lower House. Gogoi's role has been further elevated as he was inducted into the Congress Working Committee at the national level, aiming to prepare him for a larger role in Assam ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Suresh, an eight-term MP from Kerala, continues as Chief Whip due to his extensive experience and seniority. He was also chosen as the I.N.D.I.A candidate for the Speaker's election. His reappointment underscores his significant role within the party.

Additional Whip Appointments

Tagore and Jawaid have been reappointed as Whips alongside their existing responsibilities. Tagore is another MP closely associated with Rahul Gandhi, reported Deccan Herald. These appointments reflect Congress' strategy to strengthen its leadership team in Lok Sabha.

The decision to retain Gogoi comes after his impressive victory in Jorhat during the latest Lok Sabha election. Despite efforts by BJP led by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswas Sarma to defeat him, Gogoi secured a substantial majority.

Sonia Gandhi's letter to Om Birla detailed these key appointments: "Hon'ble CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji has written to the Hon'ble Lok Sabha Speaker informing him about the appointment of the Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, and two Whips for the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha."