Change of guard in Odisha Cong soon!

New Delhi: If party sources are to be believed the much talked about change of guard in the Congress party in Odisha is likely to be announced any moment from now.

The grand old party’s vice president Rahul Gandhi today held a marathon meeting with party leaders from the state.

After the meeting, Rahul first met former Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief Niranjan Patnaik separately and later held similar meetings with senior party leaders Bhakta Das, Chiranjeev Biswal,Naba Das and Pradip Majhi.

Reportedly, the Congress high command has almost decided to appoint one president and three working presidents in Odisha for the smooth functioning of the party.

Moreover, Bhakta Das is likely to be given independent responsibility as the chairman of the Campaign Committee.

“Rahul has made it almost clear that Chiranjeev Biswal, Pradip Majhi and Naba Das will be appointed as working presidents,” informed a Congressman on conditions of anonymity, who was present at the meeting.

Party sources said the Congress vice president advised the party leaders at the meeting to strengthen party organization in coastal, southern and western parts of the State while emphasizing that people of Odisha always preferred and believed in collective leadership.

Rahul asked the leaders to work collectively to strengthen the party, the sources added.

“Rahul Gandhi gave several suggestions to the party leaders at today’s meeting. He said under no circumstances indiscipline will be tolerated. A new chapter is going to open in Congress from today,” informed Niranjan Patnaik talking to media persons after his meeting with Rahul Gandhi.

“Today’s meeting was held on the agenda for which he (Rahul Gandhi) had invited Congress leaders for a meeting. We strongly believe that we will be back in power,” pointed out senior Congressman and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly Narasingh Mishra to reporters.