Bhubaneswar, April 28: In a significant political development, Bhakta Charan Das, president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, has announced that the Congress party will contest the upcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections independently, ruling out any alliance with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Addressing the media, Das said that although discussions were underway regarding a possible alliance for the local body polls, strong opposition from party leaders and grassroots workers prompted a rethink. “Many leaders and workers expressed their unease with the idea of an alliance. Respecting their sentiments, we have decided to fight the elections on our own strength,” he said, making it clear that Congress will go solo.
However, Das indicated that the party remains open to future alliances if required. He stated that any decision regarding a tie-up during Assembly elections would be taken only after detailed discussions with the party’s central leadership, the All India Congress Committee, and with mutual consent of both parties.
The announcement marks a shift from his earlier remarks hinting at a possible Congress-BJD alliance. The decision is being viewed as a response to internal pressure and an effort to maintain party unity while reinforcing Congress’s independent political identity ahead of the crucial local elections later this year.
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