TV
Months have rolled by, yet the Odisha unit of Congress remains without a new chief following Sarat Pattanayak’s resignation nearly six months ago. Despite a line-up of seasoned leaders eagerly vying for the position, the ‘indecision’ from the party’s high command has left members and political analysts speculating, sources said on Saturday.
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With the conclusion of January fast approaching, a decision on a new state president still seems distant, dashing earlier hopes of an announcement at the start of the new year.
The party’s internal dynamics appear gridlocked, even after Charan Das Mahant’s visit to Odisha on November 4 last year, where he took part in a closed-door meeting with 21 members from the steering committee at Congress Bhawan.
A subsequent report was sent to the high command. Senior leader Mohammad Moquim had expressed optimism for a New Year resolution.
In the evolving landscape of insider discussions, the Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka is gaining attention as a leading contender in the youth category, while former MLA Mohammad Moquim remains a strong candidate. Meanwhile, senior leaders such as Srikant Jena and Bhakta Charan Das are also considered potential picks.
“Changes are likely to take place in several other states. Hence, many things are going to happen simultaneously, thereby causing delay,” Bhakta Das said mediapersons.
Amid this uncertainty, Ajay Kumar, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) observer, has come under scrutiny, after the party’s senior leader Taraprasad Bahinipati pointed fingers at the observer. Interestingly, Bahinipati has not discounted being in the run himself.
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“A generation shift will be there and young leaders of the party would be entrusted with responsibilities. Similarly, senior leaders will act as advisors and will guide the youngsters, based on their political experience. Now, the ball is in AICC’s court and the national body will take a final call on picking a chief for Odisha,” Mohammad Moquim stated.
Political analysts note that the AICC’s apparent inattention to Odisha’s Congress unit could reflect a broader oversight in the State’s political management.
