Bhubaneswar: All India Congress Committee (AICC)’s Odisha in-charge A Chellakumar chaired a meeting and held talks with senior leaders amid speculations of a change of guard in the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).
“Since OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik has submitted his resignation, it is my duty to hear the views of all the leaders including MLAs, MPs and other senior leaders,” Chhelakumar said after arriving at the airport.
Later in the day, Chellakumar said, “Discussions were held with MLAs and senior leaders of the party. The process has started for the selection of a new OPCC chief. All senior leaders have suggested names. Very soon, the new OPCC chief will be announced following discussions with the high command.”
To state party leaders’ demand that an MLAs should be appointed as the next OPCC president, Chellakumar said, “I don’t think there is any rule or law like this in the Congress constitution.”
Chhelakumar will present a detailed report before the party high command after returning to the capital. A final decision will be taken by Sonia Gandhi.
Niranjan Patnaik, the current OPCC president, said, “I’m happy that there will be a change of guard in the OPCC. I had submitted my resignation in 2019. The state in-charge hasn’t discussed this with me yet. It will be better if the party gives charge to someone who can lead from the front.”
