Odisha Congress MLAs urge Rahul Gandhi to strengthen party ahead of Panchayat polls

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Congress legislators urged Rahul Gandhi to take a strong step to strengthen the party ahead of Panchayat elections in the State.

In this regard, the Congress MLAs have written a letter to the former AICC President seeking reshuffle in Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).

“The people of Odisha have started believing in Congress again losing their faith in Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). It’s high time Rahul Gandhi should take a decision to unite all leaders and workers under an umbrella along with strengthening the party. The MLAs of Congress have sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi for a discussion. We will proceed as per instruction by the party high command,” said Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

Speaking on the context, Congress legislator C S Raazen Ekka said that the MLAs had discussed at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting about strengthening the organisation to fight upcoming elections in Odisha. The AICC will take its course. The members will prepare their final strategy after CLP meeting scheduled to be held again after the Winter Session of Odisha Assembly.

“As many strong leaders of Congress are quitting the party before elections, the organisation has started weakening on grassroot level. Under this circumstance, there is a need for discussion both at PCC and AICC levels to strengthen the organisation,” said Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja.

Last month, former Nabarangpur MP Pradeep Majhi had joined the Biju Janata Dal resigning from the Congress. On Tuesday, the party removed three-time former MLA Dr. Prafulla Majhi for indiscipline and anti-party activities. Before his dismissal, he had announced to join the ruling BJD on December 10.