Outsiders calling the shots in Odisha, alleges Congress in-charge Ajoy Kumar

Bhubaneswar: All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Odisha, Ajoy Kumar, today alleged that some outsiders are now calling the shots in the state.

Kumar, a former IPS officer and a trained doctor, made these allegations during his maiden visit to Odisha.

“Some outsiders have virtually captured Odisha and they are now calling the shots in the state. Outsiders are undertaking mining, construction and other activities in Odisha. Now, even a few outsiders have taken plunge into politics in the state. The people of Odisha should drive away these outsiders. Odisha is of the Odias, for the Odias and by the Odias,” said Kumar.

The Congress party will go to the people with the slogan ‘Odisha for Odias’, he added.

Kumar alleged that the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha is working hand in glove with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre.

“The Congress party is in a good position in at least 70 Assembly seats and 12-14 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha. People loyal to Congress party and its ideology will get tickets in the upcoming Assembly and General elections in the state. Winnability will be the major factor in the distribution of party tickets,” Kumar said.

The Congress party will welcome back all leaders who have left the party for one reason or other ahead of the 2024 elections, he added.

“I have asked the president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) to revoke the suspension of party leaders ahead of the polls. However, anyone having a tacit understanding with BJD or BJP will not be allotted Congress party tickets,” said the AICC in-charge.