Amidst the growing demand for a change of guard in the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), the party's state in-charge A Chellakumar chaired a crucial meeting and held deliberations with senior leaders on Tuesday.
PCC president Niranjan Patnaik, Congress legislature party leader Narasingha Mishra along with all the MLAs and senior leaders of the party are expected to put forth their views before Chellakumar during the meeting.
Upon his arrival in Bhubaneswar today, Chhelakumar said, “Since the PCC president Niranjan Patnaik has submitted his resignation, it is my duty to hear the views of all the leaders including MLAs, MPs and other senior leaders.”
On demand of certain Congress leaders that some MLAs from the party should be appointed as the next PCC president, Chhelakumar said, “I don’t think there is any rule or law like this in the Congress constitution.”
Sources said that after the deliberations with the State leaders, Chhelakumar will present a detailed report before the party high command. It is expected that the final decision will be taken by Sonia Gandhi.
Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said that several crucial issues were discussed and party high command will take an appropriate decision. “We do not want to highlight the issues before media as of now,” he said.
Later in the day, Chellakumar said, "Discussions were held with MLAs and senior leaders of the party. The process has started for selection of new OPCC chief. All senior leaders have suggested names. Very soon the new OPCC chief will be announced following discussion with high command."
On the possible change of leadership, PCC president Niranjan Patnaik said, "I’m happy that there will be a change of guard in OPCC. I had submitted my resignation in 2019. The state in-charge hasn’t discussed with me on this yet. It will be better if party gives charge to someone who can lead from the front."