The presence of Paralakhemundi Congress MlA K Surya Rao at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s meeting held here on Wednesday has further intensified the speculation of his joining the ruling BJD.
While internal bickering in the State Congress has created a buzz in political circle that five party MlAs might join the BJD, Parala MlA’s role has been a matter of discussion for quite a few days here.
However, Surya Rao has not made any statement regarding this speculation yet. For the last one year, he is keeping himself away from organisational and other activities of the Congress. Besides, he has not opposed the ruling BJD or its supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. His very presence in the Mahendratanaya Bridge inauguration and other projects has only added fuels to the speculation of his joining the ruling regional party.
A week ago, he had also stated that he has no faith on the leadership of Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan and said he would not contest the elections under him. Due to which questions have been raised whether he would leave the party. In the 2014 elections while the Congress won 17 seats, Surya defeated his BJD rival by a margin of 1,470 votes.
There are two reasons for Surya’s hesitation in leading the Congress organisation here. First, doctors have advised him to take rest after he was hospitalised twice in 2015 and 2017 and, second, his chances of getting party funds to combat the BJD and the BJP in coming election are slim.
On the other hand, at the national level the Congress is tying up with regional parties to counter the BJP. Similarly, if the Congress and the BJD join hands in Odisha, it will be easier for him to win the Parlakhemundi seat. Keeping this is mind Surya is making his moves and keeping all the cards close to his chest, opined political observers.