Bhakta Charan Das, the newly appointed president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), has announced the revocation of all suspensions and expulsions within the party. This decision signals a move toward reconciliation and unity within the Odisha Congress.
This announcement follows a significant overhaul of the Congress party, which included the dissolution of the OPCC and the dismissal of all state office-bearers in July 2024. These actions are part of a broader strategy to restructure and strengthen the party’s organization in Odisha.
Das’s initiative is part of his larger effort to revitalize the Congress party in the state, which has faced internal conflicts and a decline in electoral support. He has acknowledged moral responsibility for the party’s performance in recent elections, emphasizing the need for change and cohesion.
After being appointed as the OPCC Chief, Das decided to hold a Sankalp Padyatra from Bhubaneswar to Jagannath Temple in Puri after consulting many Congress leaders.
A 16-member coordination committee has been formed to organize this Padayatra. The committee is chaired by former MLA Debashish Patnaik, while the members are former MLA Mohammed Moquim, MLA Ramesh Jena, MLA Dasharatha Gamang, MLA CS Rajan Ekka, MLA Kadraka Appala Swami, MLA Ashok Das.
The said Sankalp Yatra will start from Biju Patnaik Airport on 18.2.2025. PCC President Das has appealed to all leaders and party workers to actively participate in the Sankalp Padyatra and make the event a success.
Das said that those who want to return to the Congress will be welcomed. Everyone will be inducted into Congress without any conditions. The Congress organization will be strengthened for the next five years. He also clarified that if the Congress forms the government, he will not be the Chief Minister.
