Bhubaneswar: After the return of senior leaders of Congress after holding a meeting on changes in party organisation with Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, speculation is making rounds that former chief secretary Bijay Patanik may join the party.
According to party sources, the former chief secretary held a meeting with state Congress leaders while they were in New Delhi and also returned with them in the same flight to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.
Bijay’s discussion with Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik at Biju Patnaik International Airport, here, which has been recorded by a news channel, has sent the speculation to overdrive.
The Congress leaders including OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik, Narasingha Mishra, Suresh Routray, Jaydev Jena, Santosh Singh Saluja, Mohammed Moquim and Ramesh Jena held the meeting with party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.
Though the result of the meeting has not been revealed by any leader, changes in office-bearers of the party including OPCC president and preparation for 2024 general elections were reportedly discussed during the meeting.
Speaking to the media at the airport on the possibility of his joining Congress, Bijay said there is no truth in such speculations as he was never interested in politics. “There has been several speculations about me like nomination for Rajya Sabha earlier also. But those have been proved false. I was never interested in politics nor wants to join any party now,” he said.
Asked on his discussion with OPCC president inside the airport, the former chief secretary said, “It was a chance meeting. There is nothing wrong in talking to a senior leader like Niranjan Patanik. I have good relation not only with him but also most of the MLAs cutting across all parties.”
On being asked about his reaction if he is offered a post in the Congress, Bijay said he has not been given any offer yet. On further prodded what would he do, if he gets an opportunity, he said, “I have not explored any opportunity. If such a situation arises in future, I will take a call at the time.”
However, Congress insiders said considering the miserable condition of the party in the state at present, an able administrator like former CS at the helm may lead to its resurgence.
