Bhubaneswar: Congress in Odisha made it clear that indiscipline and anti-party activities would not be tolerated. Cautioning party members, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief Niranjan Patnaik today said leaders of the State unit of Congress should work towards bringing the party into power in 2019.
After a two-day discussion with newly appointed district Congress office bearers including working presidents here, Patnaik said without chasing for posts, party leaders should work in strengthening the party.
Party sources said Patnaik also issued a whip to the party leaders to refrain from making statements in media. Rather the leaders have been asked to lodge their grievances in appropriate party forum. The PCC chief has reportedly given party activists over '12 mantras' during the two-day conference and meeting with the office bearers from across the State.
“There was no intra-party rift earlier and opportunity will not be given for any differences in future,” Patnaik said emphatically.
Posts are limited whereas aspirants are many. “Once party programme starts, such discontent will vanish. Only if the party forms government in the State, leaders will get suitable positions,” the PCC chief added.
PCC working president, Chiranjibi Biswal said, 'Those who will violate party discipline will face stringent action.'
Meanwhile, absence of Koraput district president chief Minakshi Bahinipati during the review meeting of 23 district presidents and working presidents of western and coastal Odisha raised many eyebrows.
Adding fuel to fire, Laxmipur MLA Kailash Chandra Kulesika said a meeting was earlier held at the Koraput district level to clear differences between MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria and some leaders.
Responding to Kulesika’s statement, Opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “I have no habit to criticise anyone. Those who will do so will face the consequence. I have nothing to say.”