Mangaluru: Youth Congress leader Lukman Bantwal has been appointed as the state convener of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan (RGPRS), an organisation associated with the Indian National Congress that focuses on strengthening local self-governance and grassroots-level political engagement.
The appointment was announced on October 16, 2026, following a recommendation from Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B.K. Hariprasad and approval from All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge. AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal issued the appointment order.
The appointment places Bantwal in a state-level role within the organisation, which works to strengthen links between the Congress party, rural local governance institutions and elected representatives.
Appointment Approved by Congress Leadership
According to the announcement, Bantwal’s appointment was made based on the recommendation of KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad and with the approval of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge.
AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal formally issued the appointment order.
The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan is an organisation associated with the Congress party and has received particular attention from Rahul Gandhi as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
Bantwal’s new responsibility is expected to involve work related to local governance and engagement with grassroots-level institutions.
Previous Roles in Youth Congress and Local Administration
Bantwal has previously served as the president of the Dakshina Kannada district Youth Congress. He has also been a member of the Bantwal Town Municipal Council (TMC).
His experience in the Youth Congress and local administration forms part of his political background as he takes on the new state-level responsibility.
The appointment also brings a leader from Dakshina Kannada into a position within an organisation that focuses on local governance and the role of elected representatives in rural and urban communities.
Focus on Local Self-Governance
The Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Sangathan aims to create awareness about the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which provide the framework for local self-government through Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
Its objectives include promoting decentralised governance, strengthening local administrative institutions and improving understanding of the responsibilities of elected representatives.
The organisation seeks to bridge the gap between political organisations, local governing bodies and communities, with an emphasis on grassroots participation.
Bantwal Expresses Gratitude to Party Leaders
Reacting to his appointment, Bantwal said Rahul Gandhi was giving special attention to the RGPRS to strengthen the Congress party at the grassroots level.
He said he had been entrusted with the responsibility with considerable faith and pledged to fulfil the role to the best of his ability. He also expressed gratitude to party leaders, particularly KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad, for supporting his appointment.
Bantwal’s appointment marks a new state-level responsibility in his political career, with the organisation’s work centred on local governance, constitutional awareness and strengthening grassroots engagement.