A day after Odisha Congress in-charge B.K.
A day after Odisha Congress in-charge B.K. Hariprasad ruled out a change of guard in the state unit, several senior leaders of the party’s Odisha unit from the dissenting faction met here at the residence of Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra to work out their future course of action.
Three top leaders — former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Niranjan Patnaik, chief spokesperson Ganeswar Behera and former Rajya Sabha member Ananta Prasad Sethi — met Mr Mishra at his residence. The leaders, however, didn’t reveal what transpired in that meeting.
Asked by awaiting reporters, Niranjan Patnaik said, “I came here to wish the Leader of Opposition Happy Diwali. Please don’t see any politics in it.” Upon further prodding on the state of affairs of the party and performance of sitting PCC president Prasad Harichandan, he added that the accomplishment would be known after the examination, hinting at the upcoming panchayat polls likely to be held in February 2017. Ganeswar Behera, on the other hand, ruled out any dissent in the party. He said there was only “differences of opinion” on certain issues.
Meanwhile, back in Odisha after meeting Rahul Gandhi on Thursday and relieved after ensuing support from party bosses, PCC president Prasad Harichandan tried to play down the entire episode.
“The MLAs are a very important part of the party. They can go and meet the vice-president anytime they want. I do not see any conspiracy in it. Besides, if they have any issues with me or if there are any gaps in coordination, I will work towards addressing them,” said Mr Harichandan.
