Bhubaneswar: Internal discontent within the Odisha Congress appears to be intensifying, with growing demands for the replacement of both Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Ram Chandra Kadam.
According to party sources, an influential section of Congress leaders and MLAs has been mounting pressure on the central leadership to bring about a change in the state leadership. The group reportedly believes that the current leadership has failed to strengthen the organization and establish the Congress as an effective opposition force in the state.
Sources said dissatisfaction has been particularly evident over the party’s performance inside the Assembly and its inability to effectively corner the BJP government on key public issues. Several leaders and legislators are said to have questioned the leadership’s strategy and overall effectiveness.
A major reason behind the criticism of Ram Chandra Kadam is the recent Rajya Sabha election, during which three Congress MLAs cross-voted in favor of BJP-backed Independent candidate Dilip Ray. The incident dealt a significant blow to the party and led to the suspension of the three legislators, reducing the strength of the Congress Legislature Party. Many within the party view the episode as a failure of leadership.
Party sources further revealed that over the past few months, several delegations of Congress leaders and MLAs have met senior party leaders in New Delhi, urging them to consider changes in both the organizational and legislative leadership. They argue that the party needs stronger leadership capable of uniting the organization and effectively raising public concerns both inside and outside the Assembly.
While the Congress leadership has not made any official announcement regarding a leadership change, sources indicate that the central leadership is closely monitoring the situation and may take a decision in the coming weeks.
Political observers believe that any leadership reshuffle could significantly impact the party’s strategy and organizational structure in Odisha ahead of future political challenges. The issue is expected to gain further momentum before the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Odisha Assembly.
