Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress in-charge Jitendra Singh Sunday clearly hints at action against dissidents in the party those are demanding removal of president Niranjan Patnaik.
Singh told media persons that that venting dissents in media or public amount to breach of discipline. ” Indiscipline in the party will not be tolerated,” he asserted giving an stern warning to the dissidents for their indiscipline activities.
“Congress is a family and there might be differences of opinion, but nothing should come through press. If anyone has any grievance, they can directly discuss with me or AICC president. Disciplinary action would be taken against those workers giving statements outside,” said Singh.
A a recent move by a handful young leaders to replace present president Patnaik by Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammad Moquim has brought the dissident activities in the party to the forefront. Party’s Paradip candidate Bapi Sarkhel and Ashok Samal came out with public statements demanding removal of Patnaik. The dissidents had meeting in Bhubaneswar and other places. Moquim also supported their move by stating that young leaders should take over and oldguards should guide them. Senior leader and former railway minister Kanhu Charan Lenka also had extended his support to the dissident movement.
The party’s district presidents and supporters of Patnaik Sunday held a meeting in a hotel in Bhubaneswar and extended their support for the continuation of present president.
“Mohammad Moquim had also met me but never said that he wanted to become the PCC president. But if anyone in the party wants to share views or opinions, there is a proper way. Organising meetings and then making such comments are not acceptable,” Singh added.
Singh also informed that soon a talent search programme will be organised in Odisha to provide a platform to youngsters who want to contribute in development of the State. All the appointments of district or block Congress presidents and even PCC office bearers will be done through a committee in a transparent manner.
