Hyderabad: Syed Khalid Saifullah took charge as the new Hyderabad DCC chief, marking an important organisational shift for the Congress. His appointment introduced a mix of technology experience and civic engagement into the district unit. Moreover, party leaders expect his data-driven approach to strengthen urban mobilisation.
Khalid has more than two decades of experience as a technology entrepreneur. He worked as a founder, co-founder, CTO and CEO across several organisations. He holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communications from JNTU and a law degree from Osmania University. His international assignments with Google, Dell and Invesco broadened his expertise in data analytics, software development and project coordination. These roles also exposed him to large-scale digital systems that shaped his later work.
Tech portfolio boosts profile of Hyderabad DCC chief
Khalid maintained a long association with the AICC Data Analytics and Technology Cell. During this period, he managed several organisational technology projects. He built the INC crowdfunding portal and the membership apps used by Mahila Congress, Professionals’ Congress and Seva Dal. He also designed survey tools and the photo-matching AI system deployed for the Bharat Jodo Yatra. In addition, he contributed to Vote Chori identification efforts and guided surveys across multiple states.
He collaborated directly with senior leaders such as Praveen Chakravarty, Ajay Maken and Rahul Gandhi. His later assignments included personalised voter-engagement videos, AI-based interviews and wide-reach WhatsApp and SMS systems. These communication tools supported large campaigns and improved internal coordination.
Khalid co-founded the Social Data Initiative Forum as well. Through this platform, he created public-service apps such as Free Supplementary Coaching, Free Oxygen and Free Ration. These initiatives gained national attention and appeared in coverage by CNN, Al Jazeera, Arab News, Quartz, NDTV, The Nation, Times of India, Indian Express and Business Standard.
Public-service tools expand role of Hyderabad DCC chief
Khalid continued this work through RayLabs Technologies. The organisation produced civic tools such as the Missing Voters App, Muslim Voters App, Defeat NRC App, Unite India App, Muslim Freedom Fighters App, Mera Leader election app and the SPASE educational software. Each platform promoted voter access, social harmony or educational outreach. Moreover, many systems processed large data sets and relied on thousands of volunteers.
He has also authored op-eds for Times of India, EPW, The Wire, Daily O, Indian Express and The Quint. His writing addressed electoral exclusion, Muslim representation and constitutional rights. He delivered public talks on communal harmony, the freedom struggle and socio-political issues, earning recognition in Toastmasters competitions.
With his appointment as Hyderabad DCC chief, the Congress expects him to introduce modern organisational tools and structured data systems within the district unit. His combined experience in technology and community engagement is likely to strengthen the party’s presence across Hyderabad.