The three-member team of observers deputed by AICC leadership, on the concluding day of its visit, met grassroots -level Congress leaders and workers from across the State here on Monday.
While earlier they had met leaders individually, they met the workers in groups and listened to their views. Most of the workers were of the opinion for a change in the PCC leadership to rejuvenate the party and suggested the name of former Pradesh Congress Committee president Niranjan Patnaik as new State party chief. But the Kalahandi district workers batted for Bhakta Charan Das.
During the day, Studenta’ Congress activists went in a huge bike rally to the Congress Bhawan and also shouted slogans in favour of Niranjan Patnaik.
Speaking to media AICC Odisha in-charge BK Hariprasad said, “The three observers have met all party office-bearers in the State. They have also met senior leaders, MlAs and former MlAs and MPs, Youth Congress, Student Congress, Mahila Congress and leaders of all other wings. The observers will submit their report to Rahul Gandhi. After their report, the requisite roadmap and future course of action will be charted out accordingly.”
The observer’s team leader Jitendra Singh said they would submit their report to the party high command and a decision on it is expected soon.
However on the change of leadership issue, former Minister Suresh Rourtray who is father-in-law of incumbent PCC president Prasad Harichndan, said if there is a change in the PCC leadership, there should be a change in the leader of Opposition post too. There should be a total overhauling of the party.
In reaction, party Chief Whip in State Assembly Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “Only MlAs have the right to select the leader of Opposition. An ex-MlA (Routray) has got no right to comment on it. It’s unfortunate.”