Following the show of strength at Delhi by Jeypore MLA and senior Congress leader Taraprasad Bahinipati, Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka organized a bike rally in Jeypore and felicitated newly-inducted district Congress president, Durgashankar Sahoo at a function on Sunday.
The bike rally warmed up the political atmosphere in Koraput as neither Tara Bahinipati nor his wife & outgoing district president, Meenakshi Bahinipati were seen at the programme.
“This was a welcome party thrown for Durgashankar Sahoo for getting selected as the president of Koraput district Congress Committee. As 2024 elections are nearing, we discussed ways to strengthen the party. All the Congress members and leaders of Koraput district have joined us today. We hope to perform well in 2024,” said Ulaka.
Speaking on the absence of Tara Prasad Bahinipati at the felicitation ceremony, Ulaka said, “Some leaders have gone to meet the party high command in Delhi. We will felicitate all of them at a separate function after their return. I could not wait for their return as I do not have enough time right now.”
Newly inducted DCC, Durgashankar Sahoo said, “I am sure we will perform well in the coming election. In fact, our aim is to win all five Assembly Constituencies in Koraput. I respect Taraprasad Bahinipati and there is no friction between us. Our fight is not against each other but against the BJD and BJP.”
Speculations of a rift intensified after the recent removal of Meenakshi as the president of Koraput district. Meenakshi was at the helm of the affairs in Koraput for a long time. She expressed her resentment against the move openly and said that Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka was responsible for it.