Suresh Routray demands complete overhaul of Odisha Congress

Bhubaneswar: As the three-member team of observers deputed by All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Sonia Gandhi wrapped up its three-day stocktaking assignment, senior Congress leader Suresh Chandra Routray on Monday said if the party high command is going for a change of guard it should apply to everyone from top to bottom.
“If they are going to replace Prasad Harichandan, whoever replaces him is welcome. I will be little sad since he is my son-in-law. But I am always ready for the battle. The party needs a complete overhaul which includes all, even Leader of Opposition,” he said.
Countering his senior Congress colleague’s demand, Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “Only MLAs have the right to select the Leader of Opposition. An ex-MLA has no right to comment on it.”
According to sources, most of the MLAs have demanded a change of guard in the state unit to revive the moribund party, which has been out of power for the last 18 years.
The team comprising Congress MPs Gaurav Gogoi and Tamrdhwaj Sahu and former Union Minister Jitendra Singh held parleys with Congress leaders and workers at the Congress Bhawan here to understand the political situation in the state. They will be submitting the report to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.