The Congress high command this time seems to be giving much importance to the general elections in Odisha as is evident from the frequent rounds of talks AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi is holding with State party leaders.
In the latest instance, Gandhi on Friday held discussions with newly-nominated Pradesh Congress Committee president Jayadev Jena and the party’s legislative wing leader Bhupinder Singh in New Delhi on how the party should go about the 2014 elections.
After the meeting with Gandhi, Jena told the media that the discussions centred on the move to strengthen the party in the State further so as to win the elections and stage a comeback to power after one and a half decades.
AICC in-charge for Odisha Jagdish Tytler, who was also present during the discussions with Gandhi, said Jayadev Jena has been given full authority to deal with organisational affairs. He apparently sought to send a message to the State party’s rank and file that any dissident activities against the new PCC chief would not be tolerated by the high command.