Bhubaneswar: In a bid to revive its dwindling presence in Odisha, the Congress party has announced a comprehensive plan focusing on accountability, grassroots engagement, and public support. During his first visit to the state after being appointed as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Odisha, Ajay Kumar Lallu outlined a series of measures aimed at rejuvenating the party’s fortunes.
Addressing a press conference on Friday alongside newly appointed Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das and other senior leaders, Lallu emphasized the need for accountability at all levels of the party, from booth-level workers to state leaders. He stated that the party would implement a system of responsibility and accountability to enhance its performance and reconnect with the people.
Lallu revealed that the Congress plans to introduce significant organisational changes in Odisha. These include regular evaluations of party activities at the block, district, and state levels, with leaders required to submit detailed reports on their initiatives, membership drives, and community engagement efforts. Local units will be assigned specific targets for expanding party membership and organising grassroots activities.
“We will activate our members and ensure regular assessments of party work. Accountability will be fixed on leaders, and consistent underperformers will face action, while high achievers will be recognised,” Lallu said. He added that the party would establish a feedback mechanism to facilitate direct communication between ground-level workers and state leadership, enabling efficient resolution of local issues and improved coordination.
The AICC in-charge also highlighted the party’s focus on youth engagement and increasing women’s participation in political activities. “We aim to involve more young people and women in our efforts to rebuild the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das appealed to the public for support and donations to strengthen the party. “Unlike other parties, we do not have abundant funds. We seek people’s support and financial assistance to revive the Congress. History shows that all great movements were driven by the people’s participation,” Das said.
The Congress, which has been struggling to regain its foothold in Odisha for several years, hopes that these measures will help it reconnect with voters and rebuild its organisational structure. With a renewed focus on accountability, grassroots engagement, and public outreach, the party aims to stage a comeback in the state’s political arena.
