Discontentment over ticket distribution continues to haunt Congress

Kandhamal: Amid the growing discontentment over ticket distribution in Odisha Congress, party's MLA from G Udayagiri Jacob Pradhan today threatened to file nomination papers as independent candidate if denied ticket.

Pradhan on Monday clarified that he would not join any party, in case denied ticket, but go to the polls as an independent candidate.

"I still believe that the party will nominate me, even at the eleventh hour. I will file nomination tomorrow even if I'm denied ticket," said Pradhan, adding that he will definitely win the election as people are with him.

On being asked if he would quit Congress in case the party would not field him from G Udayagiri, he said, "I am deeply associated with Congress' ideology and so, there is no question of leaving the party ever."

On the other hand, Congress leader Sumitra Jena also expressed her disappointment with the ticket distribution and alleged that some 'outsiders' are influencing the entire candidate selection process. Sumitra also said that she would take up the matter with the high command.

"Those having no links with Congress party and no political background are interfering in the party's ticket allotment process. Actual Congressmen and women would have got tickets if such outside interference wouldn't have been there," alleged Sumitra.