After the State Congress leaders met AICC vice- president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday, a change of guard in the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) seems imminent but the name is yet to be announced.
As many as 32 leaders from the State met Gandhi. After the meeting, Gandhi first met former PCC president Niranjan Patnaik separately and later held meetings with senior party leaders Bhakta Das, Chiranjib Biswal, Naba Das and Pradeep Majhi.
Reportedly, the Congress high command has almost decided to appoint one president and three working presidents in the State.
Moreover, Bhakta Das is likely to be given independent responsibility as chairman of the PCC Campaign Committee.
It is almost clear that Chiranjib Biswal, Pradeep Majhi and Naba Das would be appointed as working presidents,” party sources said. The Congress vice-president advised the party leaders to work collectively to strengthen the State party, the sources added.
“Rahul Gandhi gave several suggestions to the party leaders at today’s meeting. He said under no circumstances will indiscipline in the party be tolerated. A new chapter is going to open in the State Congress from today,” informed Niranjan Patnaik, speaking to reporters after his meeting with Gandhi.
“Today’s meeting was held on the agenda for which he (Gandhi) had invited Congress leaders for a meeting. We strongly believe that we will be back in power,” pointed out senior Congressman and leader of Opposition in the State Assembly Narasingha Mishra to reporters.