Bhubaneswar: Congress eyes youths, women to win next year's elections in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The All Indian Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of Odisha Jitendra Singh here on Sunday said youths and women will be given priority during selection of candidates for next general elections, scheduled for 2019.

Singh, along with newly appointed Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik, and three other AICC secretaries held their maiden interaction with party workers and leaders of rank and file at Congress Bhawan here on Sunday. “Merit is the only yardstick for getting a Congress ticket. We will give priority to youth and women during distribution of tickets,” Singh, a former Union minister, told media persons here.

Asked about the number of seats Congress aims to win in the 147-seat assembly, Singh said he does not believe in mere predictions. “I know that some parties have already predicted to bag more than 120 seats each. Our mission is to win over the hearts of the people of Odisha. We want their support and a developed Odisha,” Singh said. At present, the Congress has 15 MLAs in assembly.

Niranjan said those who create disturbance in the party will be dealt with iron hand. “We are not going to tolerate indiscipline in the party. Strict action will be taken against those, who are found to be indulged in anti-party activities,” Niranjan said. His remark assumed significance as infighting often came to the fore in Congress due to the war of words among leaders and revolt against former leadership that was led by Prasad Harichandan.

“I keep telling my colleagues that we have a Herculean task ahead to prove our mettle. Our position weakened over the years. The task before may be difficult, but not impossible,” Niranjan said. In a letter, addressed to party leaders and workers on Thursday, Niranjan firmly believed Congress’s decline in the state helped BJD to prosper. Patnaik had also no qualms in admitting that his party was dethroned in 2000, largely because of the arrogance of leaders and allegation of corruption as well as nexus with criminals.

Leader of opposition and veteran Congress MLA Naransingha Mishra said Congress workers and leaders are united to help the party regain power. “We have appealed to people to launch a peaceful and Gandhian revolt against corruption. Congress wants development,” Mishra said. Congress state secretary Manoj Mohapatra said the party will reach out to the masses at grassroots and address their problems.