No infighting in Odisha Congress, says BK Hariprasad

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 1: 

Hours after the MLAs and top leaders of Odisha Congress met unexpectedly in a city based hotel fuelling speculations on infighting and possible replacement of Opposition Chief Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati, state unit in-charge BK Hariprasad this evening clarified that the party met to discuss its course of action over FRA and ruled out any infighting.

While sources in the party insisted that frequent run of PCC leaders to Delhi and infightings were discussed in the meeting today, PCC President Prasad Harichandan and in-charge Hariprasad both declined it.

Similarly, Bahinipati and Deputy Chief Whip Naba Das both denied reports on possible replacement of the Opposition Chief Whip.

“The Narendra Modi government has made several changes in the Forest Rights Act (FRA) that we had brought for the benefit of tribals. We are going to protest against it. This was discussed in the meeting,” said Hariprasad speaking to reporters while denying any dissent in the party.

“We discussed proper implementation of FRA act, identification of beneficiaries and distribution of land records, provision for ownership of forest produces to tribals issue etc for which we have called for a bandh tomorrow. It will be observed across undivided KBK districts –Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Bolangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapada,” said Harichandan.

Questioned about the absence of Mishra and Biswal, Harichandan explained that both were out of town and have discussed the issue over telephone.

Earlier in the day, the MLAs of the party sans Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra and Deputy Leader of Opposition Chiranjib Biswal attended the meeting called by PCC in-charge BK Hariprasad.

Some of the attending leaders, however, expressed surprise over the unplanned meeting.

“I just received a call from PCC President Prasad Harichandan. I was told that a meeting has been scheduled with General Secretary BK Hariprasad who is in town today. I am not sure what is to be discussed,” said Rajnagar MLA Anshuman Mohanty.