Three-time Chief Minister and Congress veteran JB Patnaik has described the newly-appointed Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Prasad Harichandan as the “right person” for the job.
“Prasad is the right person for the job. He will be acceptable as the PCC president. leaders should cooperate with him. I am hopeful that under his leadership the Congress in the State will be better organised. I will try my best to ensure that he gets the support and cooperation from all quarters and leaders within the party,” said Patnaik.
Asked whether Harichandan’s nomination as the PCC chief would end the factionalism in the party, he said, “I feel so. I am hopeful it will.” In his reactions on his replacement by Harichandan as the PCC chief, outgoing PCC president Jayadev Jena said he has no problems working under the new leader. But he quipped, “Some people who wanted my removal will now be happy.”
“Change of leadership is nothing new in the Congress. I knew it. I am not at all surprised since the Congress president and vice-president have opted for a leader from among the youth in the interest of the party. I am more than happy to work under the leadership of Prasad Harichandan to strengthen the party,” said Jena.
Senior party leader and leader of Opposition in the Assembly Narasingha Mishra also welcomed and congratulated Prasad Harichandan on his nomination as the PCC chief.
“The new PCC president has been appointed six months after the previous incumbent (Jena) tendered his resignation after the Congress’ defeat in the elections. I congratulate and welcome Prasad Harichandan. I am hopeful that he will take everybody with him and carry the party forward,” said Mishra.
Former PCC chief Niranjan Patnaik, who was also in the race for the post, too welcomed Harichandan’s appointment. “Our party’s central leadership has favoured a younger leader. It’s welcome and I am hopeful that being a capable leader, Harichandan will carry everybody in the party along with him and the party will be better organised under his leadership,” said Patnaik.
AICC secretary and INTUC State president Dr Rama Chandra Khuntia conveyed deep gratitude to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for appointing Harichandan as the PCC president. “I hope the Congress will be strengthened and win people’s trust under the leadership of Harichandan,” Khuntia, a former MP, said.
Opposition Chief Whip in the State Assembly Tara Prasad Bahinipati lauded the decision of giving the PCC responsibility to a comparative younger and dynamic leader like Harichandan. “I am happy that a young leader has become PCC chief. I congratulated him,” Bahinipati said.