The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) is gearing up for a significant overhaul, with plans to expand its leadership team within the next month, according to PCC President Bhakta Charan Das.
Speaking at a press conference in Bhubaneswar today, Das addressed the party’s vision for a revitalised structure, emphasising that dedication to Congress’s mission outweighs the pursuit of titles.
The announcement comes in the wake of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) approving a new 30-member OPCC team, a move that has sparked both optimism and some discontent among party ranks.
Das urged party leaders to remain patient and focus on grassroots work rather than clamouring for positions. “Being part of the team is not the ultimate goal; working for Congress’s ideals is what matters,” he stated. “Many leaders who have served for 25 years feel entitled to posts, but Congress respects those who contribute actively. Respect and recognition will follow those who work diligently.” His remarks were a subtle nod to the dissatisfaction expressed by some senior leaders who were excluded from the newly formed team.
The current OPCC team, strategically designed to be compact, reflects a balanced representation of Odisha’s diverse communities. It includes eight tribal members and seven leaders from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), ensuring inclusivity across castes and regions. Elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have been given prominent roles to strengthen the party’s organisational efforts. The team comprises seven vice-presidents, ten general secretaries, twelve state secretaries, and one treasurer, all of whom were approved during a recent AICC meeting in New Delhi.
However, the exclusion of several senior Congress leaders from the team has stirred unrest. Some veterans voiced their frustration, citing their long-standing loyalty to the party. Addressing these concerns, Das assured that the OPCC is committed to accommodating more leaders in the upcoming expansion. “Within a month, we will expand the team and include many more leaders who are eager to serve,” he said, signalling an inclusive approach to unify the party ahead of future challenges.
The restructuring of the OPCC comes at a critical juncture for Congress in Odisha, as the party aims to regain its political footing in a state dominated by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As the OPCC prepares for its next phase, all eyes will be on how the expanded team shapes Congress’s strategy in Odisha.
With Das at the helm, the party is poised to navigate internal challenges while rallying its leaders to work cohesively for the Congress’s resurgence in the state.
