Bhubaneswar: Amid speculation of change of guards in Odisha Congress, a delegation of seven senior party leaders left for New Delhi on the summon of high command.
The delegation including Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik, Narasingha Mishra, Suresh Routray, Jaydev Jena, Santosh Singh Saluja, Mohammed Moquim and Ramesh Jena are scheduled to meet party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.
Changes in office-bearers of the party including OPCC president and preparation for 2024 general elections are on the agenda for discussion during the meeting.
Speaking to the media before their departure, here, Jatni MLA Suresh Routray said as wanted by the party high command, they would explore the ways to strengthen the party and put forth their opinions regarding any changes in rank and file.
On possible changes in state leadership, both Routray and MLA Mohammed Moquim said it would be decided by the high command. All the leaders would accept the decision taken by Rahul Gandhi after hearing their opinions and suggestions on the matter, they added.
Earlier, speculation regarding major changes in party organisation had gained ground after senior Congress leaders Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Narasingha Mishra tendered their resignations from party posts. OPCC president had also issued a show-cause notice to Routray for his statement that the decision about the OPCC president and State Congress observer is taken by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
All India Congress Committee (AICC)’s Odisha in-charge A Chellakumar had also visited the state and took stock of the situation last month. He had submitted his report to the party high command and announced that the states unit would be overhauled from bottom to OPCC president level.
Following this, Congress high command summoned senior leaders of the party from the state for a meeting on May 9.
