In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Congress MLAs in Odisha convened a crucial closed-door meeting to solidify their position.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ramachandra Kadam revealed that the meeting, held at his office in the state assembly on Saturday, focused on devising tactics to strengthen the party’s stance.
Under the guidance of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Bhakta Charan Das, discussions centred on how Congress can leverage its resources effectively. With 14 MLAs in the assembly and additional support from CPI(M) member Laxman Munda, the party is gearing up to field a candidate as per directives from the high command. Kadam emphasised that another meeting will be held soon to finalise details.
Senior Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati affirmed that the PCC president has decided to nominate a candidate from the party. The meeting, conducted in the CLP leader’s chamber with Das in attendance, saw all MLAs pledging their unwavering support and vowing to vote for the Congress nominee. Bahinipati dismissed speculations of a BJP-BJD alliance succeeding, asserting that it would fail. He further claimed that the Congress candidate could garner backing from some BJD MLAs, potentially shifting the dynamics.
Adding to the intrigue, Bahinipati mentioned that Rahul Gandhi is expected to summon the PCC president for consultations on the Rajya Sabha nominee, indicating high-level involvement from the party’s national leadership.
This development comes at a time when political alliances in Odisha are under scrutiny, with the Rajya Sabha polls poised to test party loyalties and strategic manoeuvring.
