Odisha Congress stands strong behind Ramesh Jena

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 13: 

At a time when Odisha police continue to raid various associates and facilities of former Sanakhemundi MLA Ramesh Jena and level new charges against him, Odisha Congress today passed a resolution announcing its support for the leader.

The resolution was passed in the extended Executive Committee meeting held in state headquarters today. It was attended by PCC President Prasad Harichandan, state In-Charge BK Hariprasad, AICC Secretary Subhankar Sarkar, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Narasingha Mishra among others.

“Today, we took a decision that we will back our former MLA Ramesh Jena no matter what. The entire Working Committee will go and stage a sit-in in Berhampur, if there be a need,” said senior leader Lalatendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra who yesterday had attended a rally in Berhampur in support of Jena.

Apart from Jena, the party discussed various other political situations including the upcoming panchayat polls, farmers’ issues, law and order situation, price rise, NFSA irregularity etc in the meeting.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Harichandan urged all secular parties to join hands before the panchayat polls.

“The Congress Working Committee urges all secular political and social organisations to join hands against the communal BJP and corrupt BJD before the upcoming polls,” said Harichandan in the press conference.

Besides, the party plans to start a large scale membership drive in the state before the polls. It intends to reach 35896 booths of the state during April and May to bring in new members to the party fold, said Harichandan.