Bhubaneswar: Even though only two days are left for the first phase of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state, the bickering within Congress is still spilling to the streets.
Expressing displeasure over tickets distribution, Pradesh Mahila Congress President Sumitra Jena Monday levelled serious charges against Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik and his son Navajyoti Patnaik, who is contesting from Balasore Lok Sabha seat. Meanwhile, Niranjan has filed nominations for Ghasipura and Bhandaripokhari Assembly seats.
Jena alleged that the father-son duo is involved in a secret deal with the liquor traders and mining mafia for which genuine and deserving candidates were left out the race. They have allotted tickets to liquor traders and mining mafia, she alleged.
The Congress leader (Jena) had reportedly recommended names of 52 women candidates for the upcoming elections, but she said most of them were not given due importance during the ticket allotment process despite having worked selflessly and dedicatedly for the party.
“When I asked him, he (Niranjan) said the candidates I had suggested were not deserving enough. I gave an elaborate list of candidates who fulfilled all criteria, but were ignored,” said Jena.
“All these candidates were educated and politically sound. Probably what they lacked was a liquor or mining business, which is why my list was sidelined by the PCC leadership,” he added.
The Mahila Congress president further said, “Niranjan Patnaik will get a befitting reply May 23 after declaration of poll results. Congress will win 5-6 seats in the state.”
Not only Jena, youth Congress president Loknath Maharathy and PCC Kishan Cell chief Amiya Patnaik have also expressed dissatisfaction over denial of tickets.
The Seva Dal of PCC also announced non-cooperation during elections as none of its member got a ticket. However, Patnaik has refused to comment on this issue.