The recent resignation of Pradeep Majhi from Odisha Congress seemed to have spurred the party high-command to revisit its strategy in the State ahead of the crucial panchayat elections in the State.
In a show of strength, top leaders of the party on Sunday tried to galvanize support at the grassroots level by holding a massive public meeting in Majhi’s home turf Nabarangpur.
The meeting was attended by senior Congress leaders Narasingha Mishra, Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Ramesh Jena and party's Odisha in-charge Chella Kumar who put up a brave face to send a message to the rival flanks that the undivided Koraput is still is in the bastion of the grand old party. The leaders took a dig at both BJD and BJP government at the Centre over several issues.
Speaking on the occasion, Chella Kumar said, “Both BJD and Narendra Modi led BJP are anti-people governments. The BJD government has failed to ensure justice to deceased Mamita Meher."
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“Our senior leader Narasingha Mishra has already announced to don the lawyer’s coat to fight for justice for Mamita in court which very much explains our party’s stand in the case," said Kumar.
“Today’s meeting was a clear message to the government to fulfil the basic amenities of people who want nothing but development. Be it Mamita Meher or other atrocities against women, the ruling party has failed at all fronts. Congress will intensify protest seeking justice for Mamita Meher,” senior party leader Narasingha Mishra said.
On Pradeep Majhi’s resignation and whether it will affect Congress’ prospects, senior leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “It will not affect the party in any way, rather it will motivate the tribals not to spare or accept those who cheated on them. People here have vowed to support Congress and we will organise campaigns in blocks to strengthen the party at grassroots level.”
Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said, “Undivided Koraput district has always been Congress' stronghold. We will work hard and try to win all the 14 seats here. Congress is party of the people and it will grow from here.”
Responding to show of strength by the Congress, Pradeep Majhi said, “Instead of using the day to remember the sacrifices of Indira Gandhi, they used the day to observe a party programme which is totally condemnable.”
Taking his stand on the development, BJP leader Balabhadra Majhi said, “Congress leaders have no other option. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and developmental agenda, a lot of leaders from Congress and BJD are going to join BJP in coming days.”