TV
In a significant organizational move, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed senior leader Bhakta Charan Das as the new President of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), effective immediately. This reshuffling comes at a crucial juncture as the party seeks to strengthen its position in the state ahead of future elections.
Bhakta Charan Das, a veteran of the Congress party, replaces former OPCC President Sarat Pattanayak, who had held the position for several years. The appointment signals a shift towards rejuvenating the party's leadership in Odisha, where Congress has faced significant challenges in recent years, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) dominating the political landscape and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerging as a formidable opponent.
“I pledge to collaborate with both young and veteran members of the party to revitalise Congress's presence nationwide. My vision is to bring Congress back into prominence. I’m optimistic that every party member will collectively support my vision. I have fulfilled numerous entrusted responsibilities, which I believe has helped foster public trust in me. With my mother's blessings, winning public's trust remains my ultimate aim,” Das said.
Who is Bhakta Charan Das:
Bhakta Charan Das is not a stranger to Odisha's political scene. He has been an influential leader in the state for decades, having served as a Member of Parliament from the Kalahandi constituency for multiple terms. Throughout his career, Das has been a strong advocate for tribal communities, farmers, and marginalized groups, securing significant funding and projects for the Kalahandi and Nuapada districts between 2009 and 2014.
This appointment came after Das' tenure as the head of the party's campaign committee in Odisha. However, following the Congress party's underwhelming performance in the recent elections, Das took moral responsibility and resigned from his position as campaign committee head on June 11, 2024. Despite this setback, his appointment as OPCC President indicates the party's continued trust in his leadership and political acumen.
The Challenge Ahead:
Das faces the daunting task of reinvigorating a party that has faced internal divisions and diminishing support in the state. The challenge remains significant as the state’s politics continue to evolve, and the Congress seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to both the BJD and BJP.
Kharge's decision to appoint Das is being seen as part of a broader strategy to reinvigorate the party in the region. Odisha, which has long been a bastion for the BJD, has seen a steady decline in Congress's fortunes. The party has struggled to make significant inroads against the BJD’s popular chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, and the BJP's growing influence in the state.
