TV
Despite the electoral processes in Maharashtra and Jharkhand drawing to a close, the leadership of the Congress party in Odisha remains undecided, with no clear leader emerging at the helm.
In the meantime, four aspirants for the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief position including Srikant Kumar Jena, Bhakta Charan Das, Mohammed Moquim, and Saptagiri Ulaka have reportedly camped in New Delhi.
Also Read: Process on anvil to give Odisha Congress its new chief
Just two days ago, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) met in New Delhi to discuss implementing significant changes within the party, sparking questions about whether the Odisha Congress might experience similar reforms.
The appointment of a new PCC president for the Odisha unit remains a pivotal question.
Recently, during the CWC meeting, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge proposed significant alterations to invigorate the increasingly fragile state of Congress.
Despite dissolving all committees last July, the party has yet to appoint a new PCC chief.
In the previous month, Chhattisgarh CLP leader Charan Das Mahanta and general secretary Minakshi Natarajan visited Odisha. Later they presented a report to the All India Congress Committee (AICC) after consultations with a 21-member steering committee, Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of Parliament (MPs), and district presidents.
Jayadev Jena, a senior leader, expressed hope for the PCC selection to be announced soon. It is believed that recommendations for this role have been made by individuals from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes (OBCs), as well as minority communities.
There is speculation that Mohd. Moquim and Saptagiri Ulaka have fair chances.
Must Read: 3 months on, Odisha Congress yet to get its president
When contacted, five-time Congress MLA Tara Bahinipati said, "I have no issues if Saptagiri Ulaka becomes PCC president."
Analysts suggest that those camping in Delhi have faced scrutiny in the past, with indications that the selection process will prioritise appointing the in-charge before a PCC president. While visiting in November, the selection committee assured that they would not entertain lobbying.
However, the decision of whom AICC will appoint to lead the Odisha unit is still awaited.
Reported By: T. Gouri Shankar, Rashmi Ranjan Das
