Ramachandra Khuntia leads race for OPCC chief post as Congress eyes fresh leadership in Odisha
By A.K. Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 1: With the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief post vacant following Sarat Pattanayak’s resignation, the search for a new leader has sparked intense interest within Odisha’s Congress circles. Pattanayak stepped down after the party’s underwhelming performance in both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, paving the way for fresh leadership to reinvigorate the party’s state-level strategies.
Among the top contenders, Ramachandra Khuntia, who has helmed the Odisha unit of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) for over 40 years, is emerging as the leading candidate. With a reputation for integrity and strong organizational skills, Khuntia enjoys widespread support from INTUC’s 22.59 lakh members across Odisha. Despite his long history in trade union leadership, Khuntia has not held major political roles, which could offer the OPCC a new approach to leadership.
Other prominent names include seasoned Congress figures such as former OPCC presidents Jayadev Jena and Prasad Harichandan, former Union ministers Shrikant Jena and Bhakta Charan Das, and former MLA Mohammed Moquim. Although Jayadev Jena and Prasad Harichandan have past experience leading the OPCC, they were unable to secure a Congress victory in the state. Similarly, Shrikant Jena and Bhakta Charan Das, both of whom led OPCC campaign committees at various times, struggled to bring election success to the party.
Mohammed Moquim has some backing within the party, largely due to his financial support capabilities; however, a recent conviction in a housing loan case may hinder his candidacy.
The Congress high command has taken proactive steps, dispatching senior leaders Charan Das Mahant and Minakshi Natarajan to Odisha on November 4. They will meet with OPCC office-bearers and grassroots members to assess support for each candidate. Their report will play a crucial role in shaping the All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) final decision on the state leadership.
Khuntia’s candidacy, seen by many as a breath of fresh air, could signal a new era of grassroots-centered leadership for the OPCC. His selection might pave the way for broader organizational reforms and a renewed sense of direction for Congress in Odisha.
