Rift surfaces between Koraput Congress members

Koraput: The factional feud within the Koraput district Congress intensified with district committee president Meenakshi Bahinipati and Jeypore MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati choosing to stay away from a function organised to felicitate Pradeep Majhi, the newly-appointed working president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).

According to sources, the Bahinipatis didn't attend the function as Koraput MLA Krushna Chandra Sagaria recently expressed his displeasure on reappointment of Meenakshi as the party's district president.

"I had informed Meenakshi madam about the programme but she said due to some family engagements it would not be possible for her to attend," said Sagaria.

However, Taraprasad said that he was not informed about the function.

On the other hand, Majhi denied any rift among the party members stating that such rumours are being made to create discord within the party.

"Reports of rift are just rumours. Congress is maintaining strict discipline. We are presently working to reach out to people as much as possible to strengthen the party."

Earlier today, a rally was organised by the youth wing of the party which was attended by Majhi, party MLAs Kailash Kulesika and Sagaria and district working committee president of the party, Rupak Turuk.