High drama outside Odisha Congress Bhawan as Jatra personality Nandu Babu’s grand ‘political-entry’ blocked

In a dramatic turn of events, the much-anticipated political entry of renowned Odia Jatra (theatre) personality Ananta Narayan Dhal, popularly known as Nandu Babu, into the Congress party was stalled on Wednesday at the gate of Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

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Though posters were up, supporters had gathered, and Nandu Babu had already arrived in full readiness to join the party, the Congress Bhawan gates were found locked.

To add to the intrigue, police were deployed at the venue, effectively stopping Nandu Babu from entering the premises. It is said that Odisha PCC President Bhakta Charan Das was missing from the scene and allegedly locked the premises before making a quiet exit.

The incident has sparked controversy and confusion. Who invited Nandu Babu in the first place? Who gave him joining assurances? And most importantly, who ordered the lockdown of the Congress Bhawan, thereby restricting entry to Nandu Babu?

The incident has left both party insiders and the public speculating about the inner rifts and decision-making lapses within the state unit of Congress.

Nandu Babu had travelled from Badachana Assembly constituency along with hundreds of his supporters to join the Congress party. Following the alleged denial of entry, Nandu Babu has camped in a hotel in the State Capital, waiting and watching further developments.

“I myself had directly discussed with Bhakta Babu in this regard. Does not matter if he is not present and the gates are locked. Instead, I will garland the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar before going back,” Nandu Babu said.

“I had also discussed with senior party leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati regarding the inclusion. Congress Bhawan is not his (Bhakta Das’) paternal property. These days, he is the OPCC chief; tomorrow, he may not be there,” the Tulasi Gananatya owner expressed.

Meanwhile, PCC chief Bhakta Das stated, “People with a criminal attitude and character will not be accepted in Congress. Impatient persons also cannot become members of the party. Membership is something which is asked for, but it is never snatched away.”

“If he (Tulasi Gananatya owner Nandu Babu) wants to approach Rahul Gandhi, he may do so. However, Congress will never accept him,” the PCC President asserted.