Bhubaneswar: A fortnight after being suspended from Congress over alleged anti-party activities, former Odisha MLA Chiranjib Biswal met senior party leaders Jayadev Jena and Sarat Rout in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The meeting reportedly took place at the residence of Jena, a former PCC president. AICC secretary Sarat Rout was also present. Biswal is stated to have discussed the issue of his suspension with the two senior leaders.
According to sources, Rout had recently met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and party’s disciplinary committee member Tariq Anwar. The AICC secretary is believed to have urged the high command to reconsider the suspension of Biswal and Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim for the interest of the party in the state ahead of the elections due next year.
Stating that Congress is fighting both BJP and BJD, Jena said as these two parties are together, Congress is the only viable alternative before the people. “We are gearing up for the next elections,” he said.
The former PCC chief said that the issue relating to the suspension of Biswal and Moquim was discussed with the top leaders and the party high command may reconsider the decision.
Pointing out that similar actions were taken against senior leaders of the party in the past, he said but later the suspension orders were revoked. It is now important for us to keep the party united ahead of the Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections, he said.
Rout suggestions have been given to the central leaders regarding steps needed to strengthen the organisation by resolving all issues as the party should be ready for the polls.
