Bhubaneswar: The Congress party is actively positioning itself as the principal opposition in Odisha, asserted AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal on Sunday. Speaking to the media, Venugopal emphasised the party’s commitment to challenging the BJP government both at the Centre and in the state.
“We are deeply engaged in the fight against the BJP government at both levels. Our priority is to function as a genuine opposition party in Odisha,” he said. Venugopal also highlighted that, alongside raising the ‘Vote Chori’ issue, the party will focus on critical concerns such as unemployment, and issues affecting women and tribal communities in the state.
During his visit to Odisha, Venugopal held key meetings with the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) observers, senior party leaders, legislators, and workers at the Congress headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
Taking to his X handle, Venugopal shared, “Attended the Political Affairs Committee meeting of Odisha PCC and the meeting of PCC observers deputed under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan. The PAC deliberated on strengthening the organisation, the ongoing ‘Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhod’ signature campaign, and planned further political programmes across the state.”
The meetings also addressed the rising incidents of crimes against women, including cases of disappearances, alongside the overall misgovernance by the BJP-led Odisha government. “There is a pressing need to strengthen the organisation at the district and grassroots levels, and for PCC observers to play a crucial role in this endeavour. The Congress stands firmly with the people of Odisha in their struggle for justice, dignity, and democracy,” Venugopal added.
He further stated that under the leadership of OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das, the Congress is moving steadily in the right direction in Odisha. The party aims to complete the selection of presidents for all 35 organisational districts under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan by September 30.
Venugopal expressed confidence that with sustained effort by party leaders and workers, the Congress can defeat both the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the state. He also announced that the performance of newly appointed district presidents will be reviewed every three months.
