Intra-Party Revolt In Odisha Congress Refuses To Die Down

Bhubaneswar: The rebellion inside Odisha unit of Congress party is showing no signs of dying down with non-supporters of OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik now determined to make Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim as the next party chief.

A formal decision to endorse Moquim's elevation to the top post was unanimously approved during a party meeting held at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar today.

During the meeting, several party leaders and many representatives from different districts extended support to the decision of making Moquim the next OPCC president.

A party delegation will soon meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi to finally discuss over the proposal on November 10, informed OPCC spokesperson Ashok Samal after the close-door meeting in the capital city.

When asked about his selection to head the party State leadership, Moquim refused to give any comment apart from saying that he will talk about it only when the proper time comes.

Speaking on the matter, OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik said, "A family, a political party and a nation can only progress with discipline."

Senior leader Sura Routray said, "Such kind of congregation is sending a wrong message. We do not have any problem if Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim is elevated to OPCC president. However, AICC president Sonia Gandhi will take a final call."