Don't have a magic wand but I'll do my best for party: OPCC chief Niranjan Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: Congress, which has been out of power in the state since 2000, appears buoyant following the appointment of Niranjan Patnaik as the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president on Thursday. Niranjan talks about the 2019 elections, priorities and more.

How different is the party’s position now from your previous tenure (June 2011 to May 2013)?

The Congress’s position in Odisha has worsened. It was evident from our loss in some elections (2014 Lok Sabha polls, 2017 panchayat election and the Bijepur assembly bypoll in February). This is not the time to indulge in blame-game. Since elections are approaching we have to gear up and instil confidence among the people towards Congress. We may be passing through a bad phase now in Odisha, but every cloud has a silver lining.

Elections are less than a year away. How tough is the new task?

I see a herculean task before me. The party and those associated with the Congress have high expectations from me. I am thankful to party president Rahul Gandhi and my well-wishers for reposing faith on me. I may not have a magic wand, but I will try my best to strengthen the party in Odisha. BJD and BJP should not think that we (Congress) are fighting a losing battle. In fact, we will win the battle.

How will you contain infighting and exodus?

I don’t think Congress is a divided house in Odisha. Mere differences in opinions should not be termed as infighting. My immediate priority is to ensure that we all work for one cause — revival of the Congress. Some leaders left the party for personal reasons or gains. We are sad to lose them and will certainly introspect on the reason behind their departure. We will listen to the grievances of all. I request people and intellectuals to come forward and join the Congress. Those who left us can always come back.

The Congress in Odisha now has a complete new team. Does it come too late?

Such a change was the need of the hour to give a fresh lease of life to Congress in Odisha. But I cannot say whether or not it was a delayed move. I am glad that the high command gave emphasis to Odisha and recently appointed Jitendra Singh as the AICC in-charge of the state. The high command also appointed three new AICC secretaries and a joint secretary for Odisha. I feel encouraged to work with the new team. We will recharge our batteries and devise a new roadmap.

Do you think BJD and BJP enjoyed the benefits of the crumbling base of Congress?

I know our position has weakened. We were pushed to third position in the 2017 panchayat election and recently lost the Bijepur assembly seat, where Congress had been ruling since 2004. We will intensify our fight against the ruling BJD in Odisha and BJP at Centre. Unemployment, poor healthcare system, plight of farmers and water crisis continue to plague Odisha. Congress had failed to capitalise on the host of issues against BJD in the past. Our new roadmap and manifesto will expose both BJD and BJP.