Suspended Congress leader Chiranjib Biswal meets senior leaders; high command urged to reconsider decision

After his suspension from Congress over alleged anti-party activities, Chiranjib Biswal on Monday met senior leader Jayadev Jena and AICC General Secretary Sarat Rout. Biswal reportedly discussed the issue of his suspension with the senior Congress leaders at Jena’s residence in Bhubaneswar.

It is pertinent to mention here that the AICC General Secretary Sarat Rout had recently met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and disciplinary panel member Tariq Anwar. Sources said Rout has also urged the high command to reconsider the suspension of Chiranjib Biswal and Mohammad Moquim.

“Congress is fighting against BJP and BJD as both are one. Congress is the only viable alternative and we are ready for the upcoming election,” said senior Congress leader Jayadev Jena.

According to Jena, there was a discussion at AICC level discussion and the suspension decision was taken and the high command may reconsider.

“During late Basant Biswal and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik rule, there was infighting within Congress and Basant Biswal and Lalu Mohapatra were suspended. Later, the suspension was withdrawn and we formed government in 1995. Time is ripe to get united again and form government again,” Jena added.

Sarat Rout, AICC general secretary said, “We have given suggestions on what can be done to strengthen the party and resolve issues. We need to make the party ready for the upcoming polls."

"I had discussed with Odisha –in-charge A Chella Kumar and disciplinary committee member Tarik Anwar recently," said Rout.

On suspension of both the leaders, Rout said, “How far there was a need to suspend, only PCC President on whose allegations such decision was taken and Odisha in-charge can say on this. As election round the corner, I want to say that there is a need to reorganise the party and it cannot be done by excluding anyone.”

“If anybody indulges in indiscipline, they can be issued a warning and suspension notice can be reconsidered as well. We are saying the suspension order should be revoked as both leaders have never said that they will quit or work against the party,” Rout added.