More than 700 people of Boden block in Nuapada district, a majority of them tribals, under the leadership of local tribal leader Hiralal Majhi, joined the Congress party on Sunday.
They expressed their willingness to join the Congress at a meeting held at Patalganga of Boden block in the presence of Pradesh Congress Committee secretary Adhiraj Panigrahi.
“We are joining Congress to support Adhiraj, and more people of our area will follow us,” said the people when asked about their decision.
The people who joined the Congress were traditionally supporters of present Khariar BJP MlA Duryodhan Majhi. “The tribals, mostly Gonds, of our area have provided strong support to Duryodhan Majhi in the past, but in return they have got nothing; so we have decided to join with Adhiraj,” said Hiralal.
It seems that the Gond community which once formed the vote bank of Duryodhan Majhi is falling apart.
“A rift has occurred due to tussle between the old and new leadership and the young people are gradually shifting their support,” said Hiralal.