Relief for Prasad camp as chances of OPCC change of guard seem bleak

Bhubaneswar: After much political churning in Odisha Congress, the AICC has put the change of guard in Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on hold due to ongoing organisational polls.

State leaders opined openly that change of leadership cannot be held now as the organisational election is underway. "How can the high command shift attention to PCC when poll for party organisation is going on? Rahul Gandhi will take a call on it once poll process gets over," former PCC president Sarat Patnaik said.

Senior leader and MP Ramachandra Khuntia also echoed similar views. "AICC supremo has the power to change PCC president and other office bearers. But, how can it happen when a technical process like organisational election is in progress," he said.

The fresh move has brought a sigh of relief for the Prasad Harichandan camp but dampened hopes of rival leaders who had met Rahul Gandhi on September 5 demanding early revival of party.

Senior leader Suresh Routray, who is against the restructuring of State unit, said the conspiracy of some leaders in the party bore no fruit. "All their efforts went in vain as Prasad is continuing as PCC president. The change of guard is just a hogwash," he added.

On the other the rival group dubbed Routray's statement as an insult to party boss. "If he says it's a hogwash, then he indirectly shows disrespect to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. The AICC supremo doesn't bother what Sura Babu is saying. Change of leadership in PCC will be held very soon," Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said.