The protesters tried to topple the barricade and also allegedly threw tomatoes at the police.
Chatra Congress president Yashir Nawaz said, “Naveen Patnaik’s time as Chief Minister is nearing its end. So, we will not demand anything anymore. We will change the government this time.”
“BJD government has destroyed the education system in Odisha. There are no teachers and lecturers to teach the students. Question papers continue to leak even before the exams begin. People are getting admission with fake certificates. There is a rise in ragging too. Students are getting high on narcotics substances in almost every college campus. Even if some students pass out from college, they do not get any employment opportunities here,” alleged Nawaz.
“The BJD government has not opened any school or college during its tenure. They rather encouraged opening of private schools and colleges which are exploiting the parents through exorbitant fees. Students have now risen. Change of government is imminent. We will show it to the world,” Nawaz asserted.
Senior Congress leader and Jatni MLA, Suresh Routray, who was also with the student Congress members in the protest march, said, “There will certainly be a change this time. We will fill all the vacant teacher and lecturer posts in the schools and colleges.”
Later, some protesting Congress members were picked up by the police following the scuffle.
No comments could be obtained from the leaders of the Biju Janata Dal on the allegations of the Congress workers.
As part of this protest, the party organised another ritual titled ‘Anna Prasanna ‘ to satirize both the parties on the corruption count at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar.
By organising the 'Anna Prasanna', Congress leaders and workers alleged that 10 babies were born from this unholy wedlock between the two parties. The Congress pointed out 10 big scams including chit fund scam and multi-crore mining scam through the newborns which were displayed in the form of dolls.
Interestingly, party workers played couples and wore masks of the BJP and BJD symbols and took part in the 'Anna Prasanna'. The symbolic protests dew curious crowds.
This innovative programme of the Congress was orgnaised amid speculations and suspense on the ‘ongoing clandestine talks’ between the BJP and BJD for an alliance.
After this symbolic sarcasm targeted at the BJP and the BJD, Congress’ Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar held a presser and launched a scathing attack on the two parties. “After the marriage of the BJP and the BJD, as many as 10 babies were born so early. The babies were named. The first baby delivered is the Chit Fund Scam and the second one is the Mining Scam and son on,” said Ajoy Kumar.
He asserted, ”Which mining contractors were involved in the scam and how money came from them to the state will be exposed. We will expose the names of the contractors in the next seven days. Most of the companies are shell companies involved in the scam. I assure you all, the Congress will look into it and unmask the Naveen Patnaik government in seven days. It is the most corrupt government in India. Maximum donations through electoral bonds have been received by the BJD in Odisha from mining contractors.”
Countering the Congress’ charges on the alliance sarcasm, BJP leader Biranchinaryan Tripathy said, ”Congress is nowhere in the country and near the people now. The party has confined itself to the Master Canteen Square. To make its presence felt, the party has been doing a farce, only to be in the media limelight. People have understood Congress and have shown its right place.”
However, the reaction of the BJD has not been received.
It may be noted here that Jena was dismissed from the party after making anti-party remarks about five years ago. He had questioned the leadership of Niranjan Patnaik who was the then Odisha Congress president.
However, his homecoming, and that too ahead of the upcoming elections has come as a shot in the arm of the grand old party which has been out of power in Odisha for 25 years.
Meanwhile, many Congress leaders who had stayed away from the party have been ushered into the party fold in the last few weeks.
After joining the Congress, Jena told the media, “The Prime Minister went to Odisha yesterday and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was there. Both the BJP and the BJD are uniting in an open alliance. From the beginning, they were in an open alliance. Now again, they are joining hands together. I am sure Congress and the INDIA bloc will face them and defeat them.”
Youth Congress (IYC) national president BV Srinivas and other state leaders took out a rally and marched towards Naveen Niwas. However, a scuffle broke out between the Youth Congress activists and the Police after the latter intercepted them near Raj Mahal Square.
The Youth Congress activists alleged that both BJD and BJP are playing with the emotions of the youths. They also targeted the BJD government over unemployment and the alleged deterioration of the law and order situation in the state.
The Youth Congress activists allegedly hurled eggs and tomatoes at police personnel after they were prevented from marching towards the official residence of the CM.
“We have staged such a demonstration by organising a massive rally to wake up the CM who has failed to provide employment to the youths in the state,” alleged an activist.
The Youth Congress alleged that scores of people and youths are forced to migrate to other states in search of work and livelihood. “Our agitation will continue against such misgovernance till we throw the BJD government out of power in the state,” said another protestor.
Meanwhile, the BJD leaders could not be contacted over such allegations.
At a time when the BJP is all set to rope in heavyweights like party President JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and others, the Odisha unit of the Congress is also not far behind.
After Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Odisha during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress camp is upbeat and is also set to lay out the red carpet for several key leaders of the party.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president, Sarat Pattanayak today informed that Priyanka Gandhi and Rajasthan Congress’ poster boy Sachin Pilot will be visiting the state soon for campaigning.
“Rahul Gandhi visited Odisha and there is probability that he will also be visiting Odisha again. Apart from this, Priyanka Gandhi and Sachin Pilot are also scheduled to visit Odisha and attend various programmes and events,” said Pattanayak.
The PCC president further said that the Odisha Congress unit is ready to start campaigning ahead of the general elections.
“No matter who from BJP or BJD comes for campaigning in Odisha, it will have no impact as everybody knows that they are one,” alleged Pattanayak.
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Meanwhile, the senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur demanding immediate replacement and relaying of the AstroTurf at the SAI Special Area Games (SAG) Centre in Sundargarh.
Furthermore, the second phase of the online application on pragaman.in will be launched on February 15. A meeting of the PCC will be held on February 19 to prepare a list of the aspiring candidates for Assembly and Loka Sabha seats. The list will be sent to the Screening Committee and after approval, it will be sent to the AICC, he added.
Pravin Thakur, chairman of pragaman.in said that given the interest and participation of a large number of Congress workers aspiring to fight elections, it indicated the possibility of the party coming to power in Odisha. Over 2500 have applied online for tickets to contest in 147 Assembly constituencies. We have also received over 670 applications for 21 Lok Sabha seats, he added.
The Congress leaders exuded hope that the direct selection of the candidates without recommendations of any top leaders would bring about a change in the upcoming elections.
Earlier, the AICC Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar had launched a portal to facilitate aspirants to apply for party tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha.
The Congress leader claimed that the online system has been adopted to maintain transparency in the ticket distribution for the upcoming general elections.
PCC President, Sarat Pattnayak said, “A new formula has been made to maintain transparency and give scope to all to apply for Congress tickets. A lot of influential people have also applied. We have around 2500 applicants for 147 Assembly constituencies and around 500 aspirants for 21 Lok Sabha seats.”
Pattanayak said that one-to-one discussion is being done with the aspirants and a seven-day task is given to them which will be evaluated by the Congress team. The last date to apply for a Congress ticket is tomorrow and based on the tasks including organisation, political works, and other parameters, applications will be reviewed.
Congress Odisha-In-Charge Ajoy Kumar said at present ‘PTN’ (Pandian From Tamil Nadu) trend is going on. Like Paytm, PTN will also stop in Odisha.
“It is a matter of Odisha pride and in the hands of people of the state to stop this PTN. Around 30 lakh people from the state are moving outside looking for jobs, while 30 industrialists from Tamil Nadu are setting up steel plants. It is in the hands of the people and they need to think about this as people from other states are getting contracts here,” said Kumar.
Kumar further alleged that the picture of late Biju Patnaik is now missing from BJD posters and it is now time for Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
No comments were received from BJD leaders over Kumar’s statements.
The Odia actor was in the news after the Utkal Cine Chambers of Commerce, producer Sanjay Nayak last year announced to ban him for a period of two years.
The move had subsequently sparked a political row after senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra came out in his support and stated that the entire state of Odisha would divide into two parts if the decision to ban the actor from Ollywood was not revoked.
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After embracing Congress today, the actor said, “To earn a livelihood, I will continue to work as an actor. I have joined politics to serve people. I had not planned anything in the last six months. I had never thought of any plan after the release of Mind Game and subsequent controversies. I had expected that it would give me a scope to earn. But nothing happened like that.”
Mishra further said that gradually he started to move places in Western Odisha.
“I had no idea that people migrate to outside states and whether they return back or not. I had no idea that people vote for Rs 500 and some narcotics and 5 years remain like that for them. When I saw such things, it is a reality what is shown in cinema. Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra inspired me to join politics,” said Mishra.
Asked whether Congress can boost his career, Mishra said, “Labour migration problem in Western Odisha has not been resolved by those in power. I have joined Congress to serve the people and take up these issues. I want the future of people to be bright,” Mishra added.
“During the 1950s-60s, the public sector built our country. Steel and fertiliser factories were set up, and big dams like Hirakud dam, oil refineries and NALCO were constructed along with NTPC. All these units are now under threat as PM Narendra Modi’s vision and policy is to sell them. The Congress built the country and PM is keen on selling the country to a handful of industrialists. If he returns to power for the third time, Rourkela and NALCO will be sold off. It is only Congress which will oppose it as BJD and BJP are same,” alleged Ramesh.
According to Ramesh, the only difference is P and D while B and J are common in BJP and BJD. “In one party, there is double ‘P’ and you know them who are running the government. One P is running the government in the name of another P,” alleged Ramesh while adding that BJD is fully supporting BJP in the Parliament.
“Whenever I go to BJD to talk with their members, they say that they have instructions from Bhubaneswar to support Modi ji. In any discussion or during the passage of any bill, the BJD has never criticisied the Modi government. There is no difference between BJP and BJD as they are two sides of the same coin. This is what our leader Rahul Gandhi said this morning,” the senior Congress leader said.
Ramesh further alleged that there is shadow boxing in which the BJP and BJD show that they are fighting in Odisha. It is the Congress that is fighting against the ideology of BJP and the RSS, he added.
While the BJD has opted for the ‘Parivaar Sampark’ campaign, the BJP is gearing up to connect with 1 crore families and the Congress leaders will tour across Odisha in buses.
Interestingly, the ruling BJD has now opted for the Parivaar Sampark campaign after its traditional padayatra. The party plans to touch every household during the campaign that will start from Netaji Jayanti and continue till Biju Jayanti. The decision of the BJD to launch Parivaar Sampark campaign comes despite the extension of its padayatra.
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Speculations are now rife that the BJD did not get the desired output from the padayatra, which also led to infighting between groups within the party. Rival groups within the party took out parallel padayatras while at some places; controversies erupted as several names were announced for party tickets during the padayatras.
It is for these reasons that it is suspected that the BJD decided to undertake Parivaar Sampark Abhiyan as a cover-up. It is also said that it will be a platform to create awareness about probable party candidates.
BJD leader Sashi Bhusan Behera said, “BJD will reach door-to-door and try to identify problems and review how far the government schemes are being implemented by the workers themselves."
Meanwhile, the opposition is also undertaking several measures to counter BJD’s move. The BJP is continuing with its mission to connect with 1 crore houses in the state. Through its Shakti Vandan initiative, the party is also eyeing to reach out to the women voters.
BJP leader Bhrugu Baxipatra said, “BJD has been in power for the last 24 years and they are yet to understand people’s problems. The BJP, on the other hand, is continuing with its Gaon Chalo programme.”
Moreover, the party is looking to attract new voters by launching a special programme on National Voters Day.
On the other hand, the Congress is also busy with its ‘Ghare Ghare Congress’ campaign, and its top leaders are all set to tour Odisha in a bus from February 1, 2024.
“They (BJD & BJP) are doing Ghar Ghar yatra to influence people so that they will vote for them. But there is no possibility for them to get votes this time as the Congress will attain majority here,” said Senior Congress leader, Jayadev Jena.
The five-time MLA, Majhi joined the Congress camp at a function held at Bhawanipatna today. Congress’ Odisha-in-charge Ajoy Kumar, PCC President Sarat Pattanayak, and other senior leaders of the party were present on the occasion.
Majhi was first elected to the Odisha Assembly from Narla in 1990 on a Janata Dal ticket. He was re-elected from Narla in 1995 and later from Lanjigarh seat in 2000, 2004 and 2014.
In his reaction, Majhi said, “I am a tribal leader. I was part of the team when the party (BJD) was formed. I could not meet my own leader and an officer’s permission was needed to meet the CM. As I did not get the due respect, I had to quit BJD.”
Ahead of the crucial 2024 elections, the Congress has revoked the suspension of senior leaders Mohammed Moquim and Chiranjib Biswal. The expulsion of former legislator Krushna Chandra Sagaria has also been withdrawn by the party.
At a presser, the Congress questioned whether a hit-and-run case will be registered in connection with the incident or not. Senior Congress leader Bijay Patnaik said that it was the responsibility of the person for whom the vehicle was engaged to meet and provide compensation to the family of the youth who died in the accident.
So far, VK Pandian or Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has not uttered a single word on the incident, said Patnaik.
“The vehicle was for Pandian’s Gajapati visit and police were covering the visit. I don’t know under which provision the Police provided security cover to Pandian. In the recent amendment of 106, punishment has been clearly mentioned if a person dies in a hit and run case,” said Patnaik.
According to Patnaik, in such cases the driver and those responsible, there is provision of jail term up to 5 years and if it is not reported then there is a provision of jail term of 10 years. In this case, the Superintendent of Police is responsible, he said.
“As it was a police vehicle, whether the law will be applicable to it or not,” questioned Patnaik.
It is pertinent to mention here that Saras Anand of Parisal village had died in the road accident. As per reports, the government vehicle had hit Anand’s bike when he was returning after attending Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme at Ramgiri on Tuesday.
Following the incident, Anand was rushed to R Udaygiri Hospital. However, he succumbed to the injuries.
Congress MLA Dasarathi Gamang said, “The Congress party is demanding Rs 1 crore compensation for the family of the deceased.”
Meanwhile, VK Pandian or Odisha government officials could not be contacted over the allegations levelled by the Congress.
At a presser in Bhubaneswar, Kumar said that Biju Babu’s poster is now missing after ex-IAS officer VK Pandian came into the picture. The Congress’ Odisha-in-charge further said that he has travelled some 1000 km within the state and he came across such a situation.
“Biju Babu Jauchi, Pandian Ji Asuschi’. When VK Pandian came into the picture, Biju Patnaik's picture has gone missing. After some time, Naveen Patnaik’s poster will also go missing,” said Kumar.
According to Kumar, Biju Babu was one of the greatest sons of Odisha and he had an opportunity to meet him once during an opposition rally in Patna.
“If Biju Babu’s photo is removed from the poster, where is the pride of Odisha? Odisha is for the Odias. We are political opponents, but we still salute Biju Babu. If Biju Babu’s photo is removed, it hurts us,” said Kumar.
The Odisha Congress-in-charge further said that the people of Odisha should not accept that an ex-IAS officer has removed Biju Babu’s photograph.
“For Congress, the pride of Odisha and Odias is important. We want to tell VK Pandian that we cannot put up Biju Babu's poster in the social function of our party but we always respect Biju Babu. It hurts that BJD has started using such posters,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BJD leaders could not be contacted over the statement of Congress’ Odisha-in-charge Ajoy Kumar.
In a letter addressed to the presidents and leaders of all district Congress committees and other party wings, it has been stated that the names of MLA and MP candidates for the 2024 General Election will be announced at the right time by AICC. Moreover, party workers having the possibility to win the election will be announced as candidates.
However, it has come to the notice of PCC President Sarat Pattanayak that some persons are allegedly taking money from some aspiring Congress candidates with the assurances of giving them Congress tickets.
Pattanayak made it clear that these kinds of assurances are false. He further urged the party workers and the aspiring candidates not to be influenced by these false assurances.
Senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo also issued a warning to the aspiring candidates not to be swayed by these false assurances.
“If the demand is more and supply is less then there is a possibility of transaction of money. But this kind of situation has not come to Congress yet. If anybody is giving money, he will be duped,” said Kanungo.
Meanwhile, as per political analyst Akshay Sahu, it’s a political gimmick by the Congress party.
Persons with minimum knowledge of politics will not accept the truth in the letter. It might have been done to increase the party’s share in the political stock market, said Sahu.
“It’s a political trick. Congress has now lost almost 50 per cent of its votes. A political party can sell itself like a product if its leaders have brand values. Congress as a brand in Odisha doesn’t have that much stake. If a brand has not that much stake, selling its ticket is impossible,” Sahu added.
A purported video of money being paid to people has also surfaced. The programme was held at a government upper primary school at Jeypore.
After Pandian’s event, money was distributed to the BJD party workers. A person, who had reportedly brought people to the venue, claims to have received Rs 4000 in the video. Purported visuals of former Pottangi block chairman Antaram Matam allegedly calculating how much money will be paid on pen and paper by sitting inside a car have also surfaced.
As such things were organised in presence of BJD leader and observer of Pottangi constituency Srinivas Bala, Congress’ Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati has slammed the Odisha government.
“It is not anyone’s or government’s property, rather it is taxpayers’ money. People were not given anything in the last 25 years. Everybody knows whose money it is. There is resentment among people and BJD is trying to pacify them by paying visits to temples, churches and other places,” alleged Bahinipati.
Responding to Congress’ allegations, senior BJD leader Rabi Nanda said, “The allegations that the publicity is being done on government money is completely baseless. We are working for people work and hence, they are publicising Naveen Patnaik’s words.”
Addressing a presser, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Congress (PCC) President Sarat Pattanayak said that the incident has hurt the sentiments of scores of devotees of Lord Jagannath.
Speaking on the issue, senior Congress leader Bijay Patnaik said, “VK Pandian always says that whatever he is doing is on the instructions of CM Naveen Patnaik. Had CM Naveen Patnaik called the ‘controversial woman’ for the promotion of Mahaprasad and whether the need of such a blogger was required?”
Patnaik added, “If the act has been done on CM’s instructions, it is condemnable. If CM says that those were not his instructions, would he seek an explanation from Pandian and Srimandir administrator in public instead of any letter? Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik should tender a public apology, else Congress will resort to extreme acts.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the opposition parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have turned the heat on the Odisha government and questioned how a ‘promoter of beef consumption’ was granted access to the Puri Jagannath temple where the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited.
While party president Mallikarjun Kharge flagged off the campaign in Delhi, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Chief Sarat Patnaik appealed to the people of Odisha to support the drive.
It will continue till December 28 to mark the 138th foundation day of the party. To commemorate the milestone, the party has asked for donations that are a minimum of Rs 138 or multiples like Rs 1,380 or Rs 13,800 and so on from those who are 18 years and older. Once someone makes a payment, they will get a certificate signed by the Congress president.
The physical mode of the campaign, including a door-to-door collection drive, will start on December 28.
All State units have been asked to raise awareness through press conferences and social media. Party workers and volunteers have been given a target to reach at least ten houses in every booth for contributions of Rs 138 and above.
The campaign is said to be inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Tilak Swaraj Fund in 1920-21.
Meanwhile, some people have raised their eyebrows. Some have even gone on to term it an image makeover drive which has taken a severe beating following the seizure of Rs 350 crore cash from liquor manufacturing firms linked to Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu.
Asked if the allegations are true, Sarat Patnaik said, “It is still not proved that the cash seized in Odisha is black money."
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president, Sarat Pattanayak, party's Odisha in-charge Chella Kumar, and former OPCC president, Prasad Harichandan along with many senior leaders were present during the launch of the yatra from the Congress Bhawan.
During the Tulasi Yatra, Congress leader Bijay Patnaik said, “We are demanding on behalf of the people of Odisha. We want the Odisha government to open the four gates of the Puri Srimandir, as devotees are facing lots of difficulties to have a smooth darshan of the Lord. Sometimes, due to the rush, stampede-like situation is witnessed at the temple. The government should listen to our demands or they will face major consequences in the coming days.”
In response to the campaign launched by the Congress, ruling BJD MLA, Amar Satpathy launched a scathing attack and said, “Congress party is clueless and not getting any pertinent issues to raise. Not only in Srimandir but beautification works are in progress in all the religious shrines across Odisha. People are appreciating the efforts of the Odisha Government. The ‘Tulasi Yatra’ from the Congress party is an unnecessary step.”
Earlier, the Congress conducted a 'padayatra' on Puri Badadanda voicing its demand for the opening of the four gates of the temple. Following the 'padayatra,' the Congress did 'Sankirtan Satyagrah' in Jagannath temples across all districts.
The Congress on Tuesday took a jibe at both the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by reiterating that both the political parties are the one. The resignation VK Pandian is just an eyewash and a larger conspiracy has begun to grab power in Odisha, alleged Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Sarat Pattanayak while addressing a presser in Bhubaneswar today.
“BJD and BJP are one as when VK Pandian submitted his application for VRS, the Central government approved it in just three days. There have been precedence in the past when the IAS officers had to resign after their VRS applications were rejected by the Centre. But now if the BJP-government had not accepted Pandian’s resignation, we would had thought that they are different,” said Pattanayak.
According to Pattanayak, BJD and BJP are one and are planning to fight the upcoming election in Odisha together and VK Pandian is their political agent. The people of Odisha know this and the only option for them is Congress. Raking up the mining scam again, PCC President said that several non-Odias were involved and no action was taken. The power vested in VK Pandian through the 5T initiative has been done by CM Naveen Patnaik as he is unable to tour the state may be on health grounds. But the way efforts are on to sub-let governance in the state is not acceptable at all, he said.
“The people of Odisha no longer want to stay in rented houses. It is time to restore Odia governance in the state. Anything is possible in the state and I strongly believe that Odia people will give a befitting reply in 2024 elections,” said Pattanayak.
Senior Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, “I was expecting this and it is no surprise to me at all. Had the Odisha government taken this decision earlier, it would have benefited them. Nothing wrong or any unconstitutional work has been done. But the decision which has been taken should have been taken by the Cabinet. But CM has power and such a decision can be made in anticipation of the Cabinet. VK Pandian is a successful bureaucrat and administrator. But it is a million dollar question on how far he will be successful in politics.”
State BJP President Manmohan Samal said, “BJP had opposed Pandian as he was indulging in direct politics while being in the administration. Now as a citizen, he can do politics. BJP will fight the upcoming election on its own ideology. Whatever was happening in the past was not at all healthy and we were only opposing such a system.”
When asked about VK Pandian’s new role, senior BJD leader, Sashi Bhusan Behera said, “For CM Naveen Patnaik, Odisha’s development and people’s interest is top priority. Hence, VK Pandian has been bestowed upon a new role to take the agenda forward. He has been playing a crucial role in developing Odisha as an officer and he has been given a special role. We hope that VK Pandian will take this forward.”
When asked about accepting Pandian’s VRS application in three days, Behera said that such a decision has been taken by the Centre and they can comment on it.
Announcing the decision, Odisha Pradesh Congress Chief Sarat Pattanayak came down heavily on the Chief Minister and questioned the launching of the scheme by the state government.
“Every time the election approaches, CM Naveen Patnaik has this habit of announcing various schemes for the people of Odisha. This is nothing new,” said Pattanayak.
“But, the CM genuinely doesn’t care for the people of Odisha. Not only the Bus Owners’ Association, but there are also Sarpanchs, teachers, GRS, Anganwadi workers, and several others who are currently protesting in the state. This means the government has put everyone in some or the other problem,” he added.
“Even after ruling Odisha for 24 years, they have zero planning. So, we are in support of the bandh called by the Bus Owners’ Association. The government should have verified the data of other states and held a discussion with the Bus Owners’ Association before taking any step,” he concluded.
The Private Bus Owners’ Association has decided to launch their statewide bandh from tomorrow. As per the decision, all private buses will remain off the roads from October 10 including vehicles engaged in schools, colleges, and tourism.
Currently, a meeting is underway between the private bus owners' association and the CMO at the Chief Minister's Grievance Cell in Bhubaneswar.
Worth mentioning, the Odisha government has launched the LAccMI scheme to run buses from panchayats to blocks, blocks to district headquarters, and from the districts to the state capital. The first phase of operation started on October 2 on Gandhi Jayanti in the undivided Koraput district.
However, the bus owners have alleged that the LAccMI scheme will affect the income of over 8,000 private bus owners and 14,000 employees and their families.
“The Opposition parties are not happy with Odisha’s development journey. Now misleading people with false information has become their sole job. It happens whenever elections come. But people always have rejected them for this,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik further went on to add, “People well very know about the Opposition’s ‘anti-people and anti-development’ strategy. The Opposition are trying to stall and conspire against the Lord Jagannath and Lingaraj temple project.” The BJD supremo said that the people of the state will never forgive them for this.
This is not the first time that the CM Naveen Patnaik has taken a jibe at the Opposition. In his statement in Odisha Assembly recently, Patnaik had termed the Opposition ‘anti-people’ and said that they cannot return to the House for such activities.
BJP MLA, Suryabanshi Suraj said, “The way allegations are being levelled against the Odisha government, it seems that the government is trying to escape by blaming the Opposition.”
Suraj questioned, “In the last 23 years of BJD’s governance, the state registers over 1300 murders and 3100 rapes every year. The state ranks 14th in development of infrastructure and 13th in law and order situation in the country. It clearly shows who is anti-people. In today’s situation, lakhs of people are staging demonstrations at Lower PMG.”
“If the Odisha government claims that grievances cell has reached people’s doorstep, then why scores of people are forced to stage demonstrations in Bhubaneswar,” questioned Suraj.
Congress leader, Sudarsan Das said, “I am surprised the way a leader like Naveen Patnaik is terming Opposition as anti-people. I urge him to respect democracy and Opposition which acts as shadow government as it brings to fore the loopholes of the government.”
Das said, “The CM should introspect that there is no internal democracy in BJD.”
Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “CM Naveen Patnaik has been elected five times and he is expert on how to win elections. I want to ask those, who are claiming that they are wining on development, whether they know the meaning of development?”
One state and country prospers if there is development of education. The CM should know this elementary thing, said the Congress leader.
“The CM should not speak by reading out a piece of paper and his statement is not based on facts,” Mishra added.
State BJP Spokesperson, Anil Biswal said, “There is now a talk over anti-people and CM is calling Opposition anti-people. But anti-people are in CM’s own party and he has sent them for anti-people campaign. Will the Odisha government release a white paper on the number of industries, irrigation, employment, number of cold storage set up and others?”
Biswal further said, “In the last 23 years, Odisha has not developed rather it has fallen behind. The Odisha government is running development propaganda.”
Condemning such attempts by the state government, Pattanayak said, “In the name of democracy, dictatorship is now prevailing in Odisha. Whenever any media house tries to report the truth, there is a raid on their offices. Only people can judge all such attempts by the government.”
Pattanayak said that the Odisha government imposed restrictions on media entry at Lok Seva Bhawan and the lobby of the Assembly. Such restrictions were not prevalent during the Congress regime here.
“The journalists, who tried to report facts, are now facing a lot of problems in the state. Such has been the deterioration in the condition of journalists in the past 23 years,” Pattanayak added.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government and ruling BJD leaders could not be contacted over the allegations levelled by the OPCC chief.
However, Manmath on Wednesday sprang a surprise by stating that he will not contest on a Congress ticket. He is believed to have taken the decision after consulting with his supporters and Jatni residents.
In an exclusive interview, Manmath said, "I have been working in the field on the instructions of my father in the past four years. A lot of developmental work has been done and a lot more needs to be done. I have been extensively relying on public connect. I always believe in teamwork and I have been working to ensure that the legacy of my father is taken ahead."
According to Manmath, he has consulted each worker including college students, women and others; and, they have asked him to contest the upcoming elections but not from Congress. They reportedly want Manmath to contest on the ticket of a party that can deliver timely and has a good ideology.
"I was also thinking over this for the past one year. Many things were going on in my mind including my father, who has been working for the Congress for his entire life. After consulting majority of people, I have decided not to contest on Congress ticket. I will announce the party from which I will contest in the coming days," said Manmath.
Though CM Naveen Patnaik also interacted with the leaders for a short time, it was the 5T Secretary VK Pandian who spoke with the leaders. Sources said that feedback was collected on the impact of the 5T Secretary’s visits to various districts. It is said that elaborate steps are being taken to resolve the grievances collected during the 5T Secretary’s visits.
Barring some, a majority of the BJD leaders praised the 5T Secretary’s visit. Under such circumstances, speculation is rife if there will be political promotion of the 5T Secretary and whether VK Pandian will enter direct politics? It is also being speculated that after whirlwind tours to various districts and doing the groundwork; is the 5T Secretary trying to win the confidence of the BJD leaders?
Amidst such speculations, BJP’s state spokesperson Anil Biswal on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle asked whether CM Naveen returned the leaders by making them stand during the discussion or the discussion was with the 5T Secretary and Naveen only posed for a picture?
These developments have now given fodder to the BJP to train its gun on the Odisha government. Leader of Opposition, Jayanarayan Mishra on Tuesday alleged that the Odisha government is functioning on lease. However, the BJP will vehemently oppose if there is a political launch of one non-Odia Secretary, he said.
"The CM has leased out the government. If BJD is planning for a political launch of the Secretary, we will definitely oppose it. If he (Secretary) wants to join active politics, he should resign first,” Mishra said.
Mishra further questioned, “Where will Odia people go if people from outside get involved in politics. But how far the people of Odisha will accept a person from Tamil Nadu?”
BJP MLA Nauri Nayak questioned under what compulsion the CM is acting on the instructions of his Secretary and the entire thing should be investigated.
“The CM is not being able to do anything or take any decision. It should be investigated what is the compulsion or weakness that is forcing the CM to act on the instructions of the Secretary," said Nayak.
It is being said that at the BJD meeting, discussions were held on conducting the polls as per the 5T model that is applicable to governance in the state. A blueprint has also been prepared to promote the 5T model of governance.
Though a strategy was also finalised for the elections, the focus was given to adequate training of BJD workers. As per plans, the BJD aims to train around 200 cadres in each assembly constituency and intensify its "Ghare Ghare Sankha (Conch in every house) campaign.
BJD MLA Padmanabha Behera said, “CM Naveen Patnaik has instructed the Secretary to review various developmental works. Already the impact is being felt. The active members will be apprised of various things at the training camp.”
On the other hand, Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “No matter how many places the 5T Secretary visits; it will have no impact. Even the BJD members are dissatisfied. The BJD leaders are praising 5T Secretary on the front, but they are speaking other things and criticising him behind his back.”
The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) too is now keen to grab votes by highlighting its own schemes instead of raking up its regular ‘Central neglect’ cry.
For the BJD, the focus will certainly be on farmers, youths, women, and other backward classes. Such speculations are now rife after Odisha Chief Minister’s speech during the state-level Independence Day celebrations here on Tuesday.
Patnaik today tried to paint a rosy picture of development and set a narrative ahead of the crucial 2024 polls.
Patnaik stated that more than 4 lakh beneficiaries have been included in the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana and also spoke about BSKY, Nua Odisha and other newly-introduced schemes in his address to the people of the state on the occasion of Independence Day.
Amidst this, it is noteworthy to mention here that already there is a buzz over the growing bonhomie between the BJD and the BJP.
In the Parliament, BJD MP Pinaki Mishra heaped praises on the Modi government and thanked it for the central grants in the federal structure. From this, it can be gauged that the ruling BJD won’t play the ‘central neglect’ card this time around.
Hence, the BJD will try to cash in by presenting its own report card of development and the same message was visible in the BJD supremo’s Independence Day address.
Meanwhile, both the Congress & the state unit of the BJP have slammed the CM’s address by alleging that it was purely done keeping in view the upcoming elections.
Opposition parties alleged that there is usually a flood of scheme announcements ahead of the polls and subsequently such schemes die out.
“During elections, the BJD makes false promises before the people of Odisha and announces new schemes. Most of the schemes die soon after the announcement and others fizzle out after the polls,” said State BJP Vice-President, Biranchi Tripathy.
Congress MLA, Sura Routray said, “With elections nearing, the proximity between the BJD and BJP is increasing. BJD cannot criticise the Centre and today’s speech by CM only mentioned schemes. We have seen such schemes for the last 24 years. Neither BJD nor BJP, the Congress will come to power in 2024.”
Responding to the allegations of the opposition parties, BJD MLA, Debi Prasad Mishra said, “In a Democracy, the evaluation of any government is done through an election. There is no harm in going to polls or sin in winning polls.”
It is pertinent to mention here that the AICC General Secretary Sarat Rout had recently met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and disciplinary panel member Tariq Anwar. Sources said Rout has also urged the high command to reconsider the suspension of Chiranjib Biswal and Mohammad Moquim.
“Congress is fighting against BJP and BJD as both are one. Congress is the only viable alternative and we are ready for the upcoming election,” said senior Congress leader Jayadev Jena.
According to Jena, there was a discussion at AICC level discussion and the suspension decision was taken and the high command may reconsider.
“During late Basant Biswal and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik rule, there was infighting within Congress and Basant Biswal and Lalu Mohapatra were suspended. Later, the suspension was withdrawn and we formed government in 1995. Time is ripe to get united again and form government again,” Jena added.
Sarat Rout, AICC general secretary said, “We have given suggestions on what can be done to strengthen the party and resolve issues. We need to make the party ready for the upcoming polls."
"I had discussed with Odisha –in-charge A Chella Kumar and disciplinary committee member Tarik Anwar recently," said Rout.
On suspension of both the leaders, Rout said, “How far there was a need to suspend, only PCC President on whose allegations such decision was taken and Odisha in-charge can say on this. As election round the corner, I want to say that there is a need to reorganise the party and it cannot be done by excluding anyone.”
“If anybody indulges in indiscipline, they can be issued a warning and suspension notice can be reconsidered as well. We are saying the suspension order should be revoked as both leaders have never said that they will quit or work against the party,” Rout added.
Congress campaign committee chairperson, Bijay Patnaik targeted the Odisha government by levelling such allegations. Patnaik also alleged that Vedanta doesn’t have environmental clearance for the same. According to Patnaik, new process should have been followed if there is no physical possession within 5 years of getting permission as per the 2013 rules.
The senior Congress leader further alleged that people are now living under haphazard conditions. There has been no gram sabha and no action has been taken towards rehabilitation, Patnaik said.
“As per norms, if there is no environmental clearance, Vedanta needs to take it. If it already has, the Company should fulfil the conditions,” said Patnaik.
Similarly, if the land acquisition has not taken place and people are staying there, land acquisition should be carried out as per the new Act, said Patnaik adding that all these amount to violation of law.
Patnaik further questioned the way Vedanta is carrying out coal mining and informed that he would write a letter to the Odisha government in this regard.
“If the state government does not take steps and stops coal mining, we will not refrain from taking legal action in the matter,” Patnaik added.
Responding to the allegations, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said, “Bijay Patnaik should first clarify whether he is the spokesperson of the Congress or the BJP.” Meanwhile, Vedanta officials could not be contacted over the allegations.
Apart from this, questions are also being asked whether the BJD is trying to play the ‘religious sentiments’-card ahead of the polls or is it a ploy to play the ‘soft Hindutva'-card to checkmate the BJP?
The scheme aims to protect places of worship, develop rural infrastructure and preserve local heritage, sources said. Each panchayat will get Rs 10 lakh for the creation of amenities for the purpose of promotion, preservation and protection of Jagannath culture, places of worship and pilgrim amenities. It is being said that the BJD has brought the scheme as part of a well-planned strategy to grab a major chunk of the rural vote share.
Under the scheme, up to Rs 50 lakh can be spent in each panchayat for the development of infrastructure and the Panchayati Raj department has released guidelines in this regard. The concerned block office will approve the projects which will be selected by the people. However, funds will not be sanctioned for any old project.
BJP has alleged that the move by BJD is to save itself from public resentment.
“There is resentment among the public against the BJD-led government. There is an undercurrent. The BJD is trying to spend Rs 2 to 5 lakh for construction of temples to influence people just to sail through the polls,” said BJP leader, Pradip Purohit.
Speculation is rife over the real intention behind launching the scheme. Whether it is to woo the voters in the name of promotion and protection of Jagannath culture and counter the anti-government mood or check the BJP as the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be inaugurated in January 2024?
Senior journalist, Rabi Das said, “The programme is only for the 2024 polls. BJP is the prime opposition and the programme is an advanced strategy so that they are not able to mobilise people based on religious sentiments.”
BJD leader Amar Satpathy, on the other hand, said, “Jagannath culture is vast and we have decided to popularise it. We were talking about transformation and the Nabin Odisha programme will be implemented through it. Those who are saying such things will see what will be the impact during the polls.”
Biswal said that only a discussion was held at a seminar in Bhubaneswar with an intention to unite the party.
“I come from a family having a Congress background and have never done anything against the party. A coterie is working to keep me away from the party. The particular group is working to divide the party in the districts where Congress' position is good,” alleged Biswal.
Biswal further claimed that it was said that the party performed poorly because of his statements in the seminar in Jharsuguda bypoll. But for whom the performance of the party dip in Dhamnagar and Padmapur elections and whether it has been examined as the polls were held under PCC leadership, he questioned.
“If speaking the truth is a crime, then I have done it. Those who are conspiring against me, they have not won in the last 25 years. I don’t know under whose instructions such conspiracy is being hatched. Congress activists should come forward to expose and stand against such conspiracy,” said Biswal.
Biswal further said that the coterie is active in such districts where Congress is in a good position and is trying to divide the party.
“I have self-respect and have always been a disciplined worker. I do not fear action. I extend my wishes if mission 90 from 9 is achieved without me and my family,” said Biswal.
It is pertinent to mention here that Congress suspended Chiranjib Biswal and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim for being involved in anti-party activities.
“If, due to any reason, the party doesn’t give me a ticket, I will contest the election as an independent candidate with the support of my followers,” said Moquim yesterday adding, “I hope the party chief’s conspiracy against me would go in vain.”
State BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said, “When the government becomes headless, such absurd things happen. The people, who used to remain behind the scenes, have now started to govern. The BJD leaders, who are extending support from political point of view, need to understand and listen to their conscience.”
5T Secretary’s visit to Malkangiri has also been vehemently opposed. Former union minister and BJP MP Jual Oram questioned how an IAS officer is involved in direct politics.
Oram, who is in Malkangiri to highlight the achievements of the PM Modi-led government, slammed the Odisha government on the matter. “How an IAS officer is violating the code of conduct and acting as CM when there is Chief Secretary in the state? Already Centre has ordered a probe and I hope that action will be taken,” said Oram.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, Sarat Pattanayak alleged that the BJD leaders are supporting the 5T Secretary fearing that they would be denied tickets. However, the people of the state will not accept him, he said. Pattanayak said that if the 5T Secretary VK Pandian is keen to enter politics, he should do this after quitting the job.
“Whatever the 5T doing, it is not acceptable and the people of Odisha will not support even if BJD leaders are coming in his support,” said Pattanayak.
Meanwhile, no comments could be obtained from the Odisha government or BJD leaders over the allegations made by the Opposition parties.
While talking to media, Odisha Pradesh Congress President Sarat Pattanayak said, “What is the proof that the audio is of Chief Minister? We cannot accept that it is CM’s audio. If the CM has really sent him, it should be informed to the people in Odisha in written.”
The Congress further questioned whether the Odisha government will incur similar expenses in case with other secretaries against what is being done during 5T secretary’s visit.
“Is the CM is sending Pandian as a secretary or as a CM? It is not personal thing as it is people’s money and where is the planning for such expenses. Whatever is being said should be given in written. Will the state government spend such money towards security and other expenses for other secretaries’ visit?,” questioned Pattanayak.
According to Pattanayak, Congress is not against development. But the state government which failed to develop religious institutions in the last 25 years, it is now showing pro-activeness eyeing elections.
Senior Congress leader Jayadev Jena said, “BJP-BJD are having nexus and will fight elections together. The people of Odisha have accepted Congress as the only alternative. We have not seen such a condition in the past 50 years of political career as the way 5T Secretary is making announcements and playing an audio recording during Bargarh visit claiming that CM has sent him. It seems that stalemate situation has cropped in BJD and BJP.”
According to Jena, the audio has proved that the CM is no longer in a condition to visit anywhere.
Patnaik in his letter claimed that the name of VK Pandian appears in hoardings bearing the symbol of BJD at Hatibadi Road, Ram Nagar, Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district. The hoarding proclaims that Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned for a Church during visit of 5T Secretary VK Pandian which is a clear violation of Rule 5 of AIS Conduct Rules.
Also Read: Opposition mounts attack on Odisha CM over 5T Secy’s visit; Pandian counters with CM’s audio message
“He (5T Secretary) goes around the state and makes public announcement of grants to different institutions thereby flouting governmental norms regarding expenditure from the consolidated fund. Any secretary to the government who is a party to such announcement without following rules of expenditure sanction is liable for disciplinary action,” Patnaik stated in the letter.
Patnaik further alleged that (5T secretary) goes to public meetings and claims that he has been deputed by the Chief Minister to represent the latter in making announcement of grants. No serving officer is permitted under the Conduct Rules to represent a political functionary in public meeting.
“Since the alleged officer is presently working as the private secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, it is futile to expect the Chief Minister to take action against the concerned officer for such violation of the Rules,” Patnaik’s letter added.
Earlier, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi had also brought similar allegations of violation of the conduct rules by the secretary-level officer.
Though the Congress activists wanted to gherao the Aul electricity department, they resorted to pelting eggs and tomatoes as the gate of the electricity office was locked. Later, the activists blocked the Cuttack-Chandbali road by staging a demonstration.
“As we found the gate of the electricity office locked, we were forced to block the road. We had only plans to gherao the electricity office. We are demanding uninterrupted power supply as people are facing issues due to power cuts,” said Congress leader, Devendra Sharma.
According to Sharma, people, who used to get an electricity bill of Rs 200 are now getting bills of Rs 2000 after installation of new meters by Tata Power.
Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Sarat Pattanayak said, “The party will stage a demonstration in front of electricity offices across the state on June 27 in protest against the power cuts.”
Such a move is also said to bring a new balance to the existing Council of Ministers. Mainly, BJD’s focus was on Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, and Ganjam.
Also Read: Odisha Cabinet reshuffle: Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sudam Marndi and Sarada Nayak sworn in as Ministers
The reason being Jual Oram is the BJP MP from Sundargarh and the saffron party has 3 MLAs in the district. Hence, to checkmate the BJP, the BJD has included Sharada Nayak in the Cabinet.
“In the Panchayat polls, we won 33 out of 35 Zilla Parishad zones and lost two and the margin was minor. In Sundargarh, the party’s position has been strengthened,” said Nayak.
If we look at Mayurbhanj, the BJP is in an advantageous position with Bisweswar Tudu, who is now a Union Minister. Out of the nine Assembly constituencies, BJP has 6 MLAs. After Droupadi Murmu was appointed President of India, BJD has now roped in Sudam Marndi apprehending tribal votes might shift to the BJP.
As the tribals constitute nearly 22 percent in the state including from Sundagarh and Mayurbhanj, the BJD has laid emphasis on tribal-dominated areas during the reshuffle.
“BJP is not comparable with BJD. In the last Panchayat election, out of the 56 Zilla Parishad seats, BJP did not win a single seat in Mayurbhanj,” said Marndi.
Also Read:Odisha Cabinet reshuffle: Supporters dissatisfied after Susanta Singh denied ministerial berth
As BJD’s dominance and base are dwindling in Ganjam in view of a leadership crisis following the illness of Surya Patro and the expulsion of Pradeep Panigrahi, BJD has picked heavyweight, Bikram Keshari Arukha for the Cabinet.
Speculations are rife that Arukha will look after the party affairs and organization in 13 constituencies of the district. BJD which is known for playing the ‘women card’ did not give any chance to women leaders in this cabinet rejig.
Similarly, no representation was from the coastal belt of the state, including the Puri Parliamentary segment. It is being said that as there are differences between Susanta Singh and newly-elected MLA Dipali Das, both of them were excluded.
“There is no infighting within BJD and there could be some differences. The organization is intact in Ganjam and it will be reflected in the next election,” said BJP MP, Chandrasekhar Sahu.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties have targeted the Odisha government after the cabinet reshuffle.
Also Read:Odisha Cabinet reshuffle: Old wine in new bottle, alleges Opposition
Three senior BJD leaders- Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sarada Nayak and Sudam Marndi took oath as cabinet ministers. While Bikram Keshari Arukha has been given the Finance portfolio, the School and Mass Education and Labour & Employees' State Insurance departments have gone to Sudam Marndi and Sarada Nayak, respectively.
“The induction of ministers is old win in new bottle. If the cabinet berths were given on the basis of seniority and skills, were the new ministers not efficient in the past?” questioned BJP leader, Golak Mohapatra.
Mohapatra further said that the BJP has been alleging involvement of several ministers including Samir Dash in murder of Dharmendra Sahu while Srikant Sahu failed to give justice to a woman. The state government admitted this and removed them from the cabinet.
“In Pari case, we had alleged the name of Arun Sahoo and Dibyashankar Mishra in Mamita Meher case. The names were raised, but the state government did not remove them at the very instance, rather they were shown doors at a later stage. It shows that government admits that its ministers are involved in murder and rape cases. But no action is being taken,” alleged Mohapatra adding that the ministers are just like rubber stamps here.
Congress MLA, Sura Routray said, “Everything has been done eyeing 2024 elections for grabbing tribal and other votes for which Sudam Marndi has been inducted. But here the ministers have no say in the decision-making.”
Chiranjib Biswal stated that Congress is no longer the same and those born after 2000 don't know anything other than Naveen Patnaik. The state unit of Congress has failed to reach out to such people so far.
“The Congress is now facing tough times and it lacks the fighting spirit. There is a need to work hard and it is really very unfortunate that there is no leadership here,” said Biswal. Biswal went on to add that the party's MLA strength in the Odisha Assembly is now limited to nine. Nobody knows what will be the number in coming days, he said
“We are just fighting the byelections for namesake only. There are only 9 MLAs but 20 CM faces in Odisha Congress. The youths who are actively working are not getting adequate opportunities,” said Biswal.
Biswal also raised questions about the distribution of party tickets to candidates.
“One candidate will nourish the constituency while another one will get the ticket. I doubt whether the Congress will be in a position to give good candidates in all 147 assembly constituencies in the state,” Biswal added.
When contacted PCC president, Sarat Patnaik said, “I don’t want to comment on any personal statements. We are concentrating on the Jharsuguda byelection and later we will look into it as it is an internal matter of the Congress.”
Bahinipati has been named as one of the State Vice Presidents of the party in the newly-published list.
Venting his displeasure, Bahinipati said that he does not wish to stay in any position and wants to work only in his constituency.
“I have never asked anybody in Congress to make me the Vice President of the party. I do not want to be a man of pity. I am self-sufficient and can do my things on my own. I anyways do not get enough time to work in my constituency. If I sit in a position, then it will be even harder for me to work here,” Bahinipati said.
“It is true they have added me in the PCC list and I want to thank them to have made me the Vice President. But I do not wish to remain in any position, because I cannot take any party responsibility,” he said.
“I would have resigned from the position, but have not done so thinking about others in the party,” he added.
Congress MLA, Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi said, “His satisfaction or dissatisfaction is his personal choice. When the party gives a responsibility to someone then it is their duty to work to strengthen the party. As far as my responsibility is concerned, I am thankful to the party for making me the Vice President.”
“It is natural for some people to get upset when they do not get a desired position. But they should all come together irrespective of the position to work for the betterment of the party,” Panigrahi added.
Earlier on Monday, Congress President approved the appointment of office bearers of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. Five senior vice presidents, 12 vice presidents, and 39 general secretaries were named in the list.
Moquim today said that there is no popular face in Odisha Congress and the vacuum has been created after Janaki Patnaik, Basant Biswal and Hemanand Biswal.
“Be it late Janaki Patnaik, Hemanad Biswal or Basant Biswal, all of them had played a crucial role in keeping Congress intact and in power. But Congress in Odisha has reduced to the state of dormancy as there is no such leadership here to win the confidence of people,” said Moquim.
Moquim further said that the state leadership needs to wake up to the situation and take concrete steps to reach out to the people as there is very little time left for the 2024 elections.
“So far no such step has been taken. But I hope that things will change and leadership will rise to the occasion. It will be really tough to put Congress back on track if we lose precious time,” said Moquim.
Moquim admitted that in the recently concluded bypolls, Congress’ vote share had reduced drastically. “We have to accept the reality and it will be tough for us to increase our strength if we don’t put in hard work with proper blueprint.”
Senior Congress leader and former OPCC president, Niranjan Patnaik said, “The vehicle which runs very slowly, can also run fast when there is need. Nothing is impossible and Congress forming government in 2024 is also not impossible.”
(Reported by Jagdish Das)
Disgruntled Nayak cited his name being removed from the PCC member list as the reason for his resigning from the party.
“Personally, I am genuinely hurt when my name was removed from the PCC member list. And the process of delisting was against the constitution of the party. Despite informing you and the AICC observer about the omission, I am yet to get a reasonable response about the lapse from either of you. As PCC President, the buck must stop with you in matters of such serious lapses. By striking out my name from the PCC list sends the clear indication that my services and contributions are hardly required by the party anymore,” read Nayak’s letter.
“The biggest threat to the party’s reliability today is not allowing or grooming the second and third generation leadership. Professionals and intellectuals in the state are reluctant to join in the party. What bothers me more is, PCC being the umbrella unit, it has the responsibility to carry the other branch units like NSUI, IYC and Mahila Congress along with it. Unfortunately, this is not the case,” he further stated as reasons for his resignation.
It is worth mentioning here, Nayak had already resigned from the posts of Media Convenor and General Secretary of Odisha Congress following his name being excluded from the list of eligible voters to elect the party president.
Reported By: Jagdish Dash
A preparatory meeting was held under the chairmanship of Congress’ Odisha in-charge Chellakumar on Sunday at the Congress Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The meeting attended by party bigwigs including MPs, MLAs, district presidents and general secretaries, discussed crucial strategies for booth strengthening and reaching out directly to the voters. The party is planning to form core groups to strengthen grassroots.
The meeting also focused on implementing key ideas and roadmaps to gain back its lost voters. As per reports, Congress will be launching a two-month-long ‘Haath se Haath Jodo’ Abhiyan in January, wherein party leaders will highlight the failures of Centre and state government. Setting the agenda to make ‘Haath se Haath Jodo Abhiyan’ a success, senior party leaders have been entrusted with critical responsibilities. The next meeting will focus on brainstorming of the karyakartas, workers and also would discuss the shortcomings plaguing the party.
“We cannot deny the fact that people are slowly losing their trust and hope on our party for various reasons. So, there is a need for preparatory and re-evaluation meetings. We will discuss, take decisions and leave no stone unturned to make a rock solid comeback,” said former LoP Narasingha Mishra.
Veteran Congress leader Sura Routray said, “Immediate steps will be taken to form committees. Eligible persons will be appointed as per their qualities to strengthen the party. More youths from ST/SC, OBC and other minorities will be involved.”
“Another meeting will be held to discuss factors responsible for the downfall of the party and steps needed to uplift it again. Congress will try to put an end to all our vote leaks,” he further stated.
Similarly, Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “We do not have anything to do with BJD’s poll preparations. I can only say about Congress. As far as our party is concerned, we are not walking behind anybody. Our members are committed. We will fight with full might in the 2024 elections.”
On the other hand, preparations have already begun in the BJD and the BJP camp as both the parties had organised crucial meetings on December 15 and 17, respectively, to discuss poll strategy.
Patra has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the case recently.
Drawing a comparison between police and ED probe, Congress leader Narasingha Mishra said, “The ED arrested the person who was spared by the Odisha police for long. Khageswar Patra is a criminal working for BJD ministers and Odisha police was shielding him for obvious reasons.”
“This proves two things; either the police is playing along the lines of the criminals or the current DGP is inefficient. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should answer these questions to keep the administration transparent,” Mishra demanded.
At the same time, Mishra targeted the BJP as well. He said, “History tells us that both the BJP and BJD are two sides of the same coin. Then who will catch the thief?”
Meanwhile, the BJP has alerted the BJD to raise Archana Nag’s case in the next Assembly Session. Speaking to reporters, Chief Whip of Opposition, Mohan Majhi said, “The BJP will no doubt raise Archana Nag’s case in the Assembly. We will make sure that the government answers all our questions in a satisfactory manner.”
The ED on last Thursday intensified its action in the lady blackmailer Archana Nag case and picked up Khageswar Patra, an associate of Archana’s husband Jagabandhu Chand.
The agency took Patra from his native village Gangeswar and is learnt to have been quizzing Patra at the ED office. The agency has seized Patra’s mobile phone and bank documents.
Notably, Archana Nag and her husband are cooling their heels in Jharpara jail. Kingpin Archana was arrested on October 7 on charges of honey-trapping bigwigs and extorting money from them.
“There is no question of quitting Congress in this birth. There is no chance of me quitting my position as Khordha Congress District President. I’m here to fight for the party until Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of India,” the ever jovial party leader said.
He said that false reports were being circulated against him and asserted that he would remain in the party till his last breath.
There were several reports of Routray quitting the party and tendering his resignation from the post of Khordha Congress District President. However, the veteran leader denied the rumours of leaving the party.
“These rumours are being spread to defame the Congress Party,” he said adding that he did not know who was spreading the rumours.
He said that differences with other party members were common in politics and that he would go ahead with his work and dedication to the people as per the directions of the high command.
“Until Sarat Pattanayak does not become the Chief Minister of Odisha, my struggle will continue with Harijan, Adivasi, Minority Mahila Congress and Student Congress brothers and sisters. We all will fight together to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister of India and Sarat Pattanayak the Chief Minister of Odisha,” he asserted.
Addressing the presser, Patnaik informed that the party will conduct the Jana Sampark Padayatra across 12 states and two Union Territories. The party will reach out to the voters over different issues including messed up economic system, rampant inflation and unemployment.
While the campaign is being planned from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, Congress parliamentarian Rahul Gandhi will participate in the 'padayatra' (foot march). The padyatra will be about 3,500 km long and is scheduled to be completed in around 150 days.
As many as 100 representatives of the party from Odisha will participate in the campaign.
"Two party leaders, Rabindra Shetty and Nakul Nayak, have been handed over the charges of the campaign in Odisha," informed Patnaik.
Meanwhile, AICC Spokesperson, Anshul Avijit said, "We have challenges in front of us which are serious. Bharat Jodo Abhiyan is the need of the hour, as BJP and its associates are aiming to divide India and destroy everything."
He went on to add, "The campaign aims to reach out to the citizens across India and for the first time it is being planned in the country. The party will reach out to the citizens to learn about the problems they are facing. Party workers will cover around 23 kms per day."
Further briefing about the campaign and route of the foot march, he said, the campaign will begin on Sept 7 and Rahul Gandhi will address the mass. On Sept 8, the foot march will begin thereafter. the march will begin from Kanyakumari and cover places in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and it will end in Jammu and Kashmir.
As Murmu is inspired by the RSS ideology, Congress will never support her candidature for the position of a constitutional head, he said.
“Moreover, the opposition parties at the Centre including the Congress have already chosen its candidate for the Presidential elections. So there is no point in turning back on our candidate and support another at this time,” he said.
Mishra took a jibe at CM Naveen Patnaik who had called upon to all the MLAs urging them to support Murmu as she is from Odisha.
Mishra said, “If Naveen Patnaik has so much sympathy for Odia people, why did he send a non-Odia to Rajya Sabha? Did not he find any Odia suitable for the Upper House?”
Though Mishra avoided mentioning the name of Non-Odia Rajya Sabha member he was referring to Ashwini Vaishnaw, current Railway Minister.
It is pertinent to mention here that, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha emerged as the consensus Presidential candidate of 13 opposition parties, including the Congress, the TMC and the Samajwadi Party as opposed to NDA’s Draupadi Murmu.
Five regional parties considered non-aligned - TRS, BJD, AAP, SAD and YSRCP -- stayed away. These parties had also stayed away from the June 15 meeting convened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Earlier, clearing the air over BJD’s stand on the upcoming Presidential election, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday had appealed to all members of Odisha Legislative Assembly to extend unanimous support to elect the daughter of Odisha – Draupadi Murmu to the country’s highest office.
The decision has been taken by the newly-appointed president of the State Congress Sarat Pattnayak during the two-day long ‘sankalp sibir’ of the State Congress in Bhubaneswar.
As per party sources, Pattnayak himself will join the padyatra along with party workers in each and every district of Odisha starting from next week.
“We have formed a new strategy to strengthen the party structure in the State. We will give a tough fight to BJD in coming elections. Those who are thinking that Congress couldn’t come back to power should change their mentality,” said Pattnayak.
The grand old party in the State has also decided to organise an annual meeting of the party in the block and the district level. Six committees have also been formed to strengthen and enhance the performance of the party.
“As per the instruction of AICC, regular discussions will be held among the party leaders on political, economic, social justice, women empowerment, agriculture and farmers’ issues and various steps will be taken accordingly,” said Pattnayak.
Notably, Pattnayak has been appointed as the president of Odisha Congress for the second time. Earlier, he had served as PCC chief from 2001 to 2004.
The development came after Congress president Sonia Gandhi accepted the resignation of Niranjan Patnaik from the post of PCC president.
“Congress president has appointed Sarat Pattnayak as the president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee with immediate effect. The party appreciates the contributions of the outgoing PCC president Niranjan Patnaik,” a press release by the AICC General Secretary said.
Expressing gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Pattnayak said, "Efforts will be taken towards strengthening the party organization. We will fight the elections by taking all leaders and workers together. The preparations for the crucial 2024 elections will begin after Brajarajnagar bypoll."
It is for the second time that Sarat Pattnayak will assume charge of the State Congress. Earlier, he had served as PCC chief from 2001 to 2004.
Meanwhile, the outgoing PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik took to Twitter to congratulate Sarat Pattnayak on his appointment as the head of Odisha Congress unit.
“I am glad to know that Sarat Pattanayak has been appointed as the new President of OPCC. I am confident that under his able leadership, Odisha Congress will touch new heights," Niranjan wrote in his message.
He also thanked Rahul Gandhi for all his support during his tenure as OPCC President.
The delegation included senior Congress leaders Jayadev Jena, Suresh Routray, Mohammed Moquim, Ramesh Jena and Santosh Singh Saluja. Later, OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik and senior leader Narasingha Mishra also left for New Delhi.
As per reports, they will meet Rahul Gandhi on Monday and discuss matters pertaining to the OPCC restructuring. Apart from this, Gandhi is likely to discuss the road map for the 2024 general elections with the State leaders.
Before leaving for Delhi, MLA Suresh Routray said, “We will suggest different ways to strengthen the party from the grassroots level. Deciding the next OPCC Chief rests solely on the high command. We will accept whoever is made the chief and help him make Congress stronger in Odisha.”
MLA Mohammed Moquim, who spoke to the reporters at Bhubaneswar airport, said, "Hopefully, all the speculations around the OPCC chief will come to an end after we meet Rahul Gandhi."
When asked about the probable names as the OPCC chief, Moquim said, “The party won’t differentiate between senior or junior. Whoever Rahul Gandhi thinks is capable enough to steer the Congress party towards victory will be given a chance to head OPCC.”
Odisha Congress in-charge A Chellakumar has already submitted his assessment report to the high command. And, tomorrow's meeting is expected to be the final call before declaring name of the new OPCC chief.
Asked about the buzz in the political circle that he has resigned from the post of chief whip, Bahinipati said, “Yes, I have resigned due to personal reason. I have been the chip whip since long. How long will I hold that position?”
The legislator, however, did not elaborate further on what personal reason drove him to take the decision.
The stepping down of Bahinipati from the chief whip post when there is growing demand for change in guard in the State unit of Congress has created buzz in the political circles.
The Jeypore MLA, however, asserted that he was not lobbying for the top post.
“It is true that I have given my resignation, but I do not possess any desire for the top post. I am not lobbying for the post of PCC president,” Bahinipati said.
The lawmaker reiterated that he would not hesitate if an offer for the coveted post is made to him.
Bahinipati also confirmed that Congress legislative party leader Narasingha Mishra has also resigned from his post.
Bahinipati has reportedly quit the party chief whip position while Mishra, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, has also put down his papers from the post. However, the MLAs are yet to comment on the rumours of them quitting the party positions.
Meanwhile, amidst the growing demand for a change of guard in OPCC, the party's state in-charge A Chellakumar held a meeting with the party leaders and said, “Since the OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik has submitted his resignation, it is my duty to hear the views of all the leaders including MLAs, MPs and other senior leaders.”
On the possible change of leadership, PCC president Niranjan Patnaik had earlier said, "I’m happy that there will be a change of guard in OPCC. I had submitted my resignation in 2019. The state in-charge hasn’t discussed with me on this yet. It will be better if party gives charge to someone who can lead from the front."