Odisha Congress warns party’s leaders against media communications

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) implemented stringent measures on Thursday to supervise the media communications of its party leaders.

In a directive reportedly aimed at maintaining the integrity of the party's public stance, PCC president Bhakta Charan Das instructed that leaders consult either him or the head of the media committee prior to making public statements.

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This initiative arises in response to certain leaders expressing views that are not aligned with the party's core principles, potentially risking the party's reputation.

Directives of PCC chief to the party's leaders

Consequently, the PCC mandates that the leaders coordinate with the designated officials before engaging with media representatives.

This precautionary measure seeks to ensure that all communications reflect official party policies accurately and to preserve the party's image.

“Align your statements with Congress party's stance when discussing issues in the media or posting anything on social media,” Bhakta Das urged the party leaders.

“Personal opinions expressed by some Congress leaders in Odisha are damaging the party's reputation in the State. To avoid such issues, party leaders need to consult either the OPCC president or the party's media cell chief before making public comments,” Das said.

“Congress leaders, including senior members, should seek approval and cooperate with the party leadership before finalising their views on any matter,” a letter issued by the OPCC chief in this regard mentioned.

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Worth mentioning, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recently appointed senior leader Bhakta Das as new Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, with effect from February 11, 2025. This reshuffling came at a crucial juncture as the Congress party seeks to strengthen its position in the State ahead of future elections.

Das, a veteran of the party, replaced former OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak.