War of words ensues between Congress leaders

Bhubaneswar: Infighting has returned to haunt Odisha Congress with senior leaders now engaged in a fresh ‘verbal duel’ that is now likely to adversely affect efforts of the high command to resurrect the grand old party here in the State.

This time Congress Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati has once again spewed venom against Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief Prasad Harichandan over the remarks made by senior party leader Sura Routray, who happens to be father-in-law of the latter.

Accusing Routray for showing ‘disrespect’ towards the Leader of the Opposition (LOP), MLAs and other leaders of the party, Bahinipatni advised him for refraining to make such statements.

“Both Prasad Harichandan and Sura Routray have been defeated and they have no right to disrespect the MLAs and leaders of the party. The statement of Routray against LOP and others is unfortunate,” said Bahinipati.

Bahinipati further stated that Congress and the Congress Bhawan is not anybody’s ‘personal property’.

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“We will not tolerate any kind of indiscipline, disrespect or goondaism. We are trying to save the Congress party and can also meet Sonia Gandhi on the issue,” Bahinipati added.

The tug of war between the Congress leadership is likely to affect the party’s prospects ahead of the 2019 elections in Odisha particularly at a time when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has reportedly started a consultation process on organisational restructuring in the State.

Though OPCC chief Prasad Harichandan could not be contacted over Bahinipati’s statements, senior leader Sura Routray on the other hand said, “AICC would certainly take action against those creating indiscipline.