Odisha Elections: Mohan Hembram Quits Congress After Being Dropped As Keonjhar LS Candidate

Bhubaneswar: Voicing annoyance after the party replaced him with another candidate for the upcoming elections in Odisha, senior leader Mohan Kumar Hembram resigned from Congress on Saturday.

Hembram told reporters that he was initially declared by Congress as its candidate for Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency. However, he said he was surprised when the party changed its nominee for the Lok Sabha after giving him ticket.

The party has now fielded Binod Bihari Nayak for Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency.

Stating that he felt humiliated after being dropped as he had already launched campaign in the constituency, Hembram said he has resigned from the primary membership of Congress.

“The decision of AICC has embarrassed us. I cannot understand as to why did the party give me ticket if I was not competent enough,” said Hembram.

Stating that he had given Rs 50,000 to the party as per the norms laid down. This apart, around Rs seven lakh was already spent towards election campaign after Congress announced my candidature, Hembram claimed, adding that the party must return the money.