Koraput: Congress is grappling with an alleged internal feud between Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Koraput MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka over the selection of its legislature party leader.
Bahinipati, a five-time senior Congress MLA, is a contender for the CLP leader’s post.
However, Ram Chandra Kadam, a three-time MLA from Pottangi, has also emerged as the second aspirant.Bahinipati denied any lobbying for the CLP leader’s post.
“I am a senior legislator and deserve to be the CLP leader, but the ultimate decision lies with AICC. Whatever decision the AICC takes, I will abide by it. My performance in the assembly will not be affected by any post,” he said.
Political observers suggested that Kadam, said to be in Ulaka’s camp, is being promoted by the MP to settle scores with Bahinipati. The speculation gained traction after Ulaka, Kadam and five other MLAs, met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi recently. Bahinipati was not part of the group.
Kadam said the meeting with Kharge was a courtesy call facilitated by Ulaka. “There is no factionalism in Congress. AICC will decide the CLP leader and I will abide by it. If I am appointed CLP leader, I will discharge my duties efficiently because of my experience,” said Kadam.
Trinath Khadanga, a Gunupur-based political analyst, said it would be better for Congress to resolve the internal strife quickly and elect the most deserving candidate as CLP, irrespective of any other criteria. However, he believes Bahinipati, the most senior and experienced legislator in the Congress camp, is the most suitable candidate for CLP’s post.
“Due to his popularity, Bahinipati is the face of Congress in the tribal belt. He successfully held the fort in Koraput when Congress was virtually wiped out in the state during the 2022 rural and urban polls. He is the most deserving candidate for CLP leader who can effectively address the problems of people,” said Khadanga. This year, Congress won six assembly segments under Koraput LS seat. It increased its assembly tally from nine in 2019 to 14 this time.

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