Congress to Contest 2029 Odisha Elections Under Bhakta Das’s Leadership: Ajay Kumar Lallu

At a press conference held at the Congress Bhavan in Nuapada, Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu announced that the party will contest the 2029 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections under the leadership of OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das.

Lallu described Nuapada as one of Odisha’s most backward and tribal-dominated districts, facing severe challenges like fluoride-contaminated drinking water that has affected over 50,000 people with fluorosis. He highlighted that under the UPA government in 2006, forest rights pattas were distributed to tribal families. Out of 45,000 applications from Nuapada, only 7,000 pattas have been granted so far, despite 846 gram sabhas applying for recognition under the CRF programme.

“Of these, only 46 gram sabhas have been approved,” Lallu said, criticizing the BJD-BJP alliance for neglecting tribal rights and livelihoods. He further pointed out that forest-based products like mahua and kendu leaves lack minimum support prices, forcing tribals to sell them at throwaway rates.

Lallu alleged that BJD and BJP have been running the state jointly for nine years, and the regional party continues to toe the BJP’s line in Parliament by supporting every central bill. “They are two sides of the same coin,” he said.

The Congress leader praised Bhakta Charan Das for his development initiatives when he represented the region in Parliament, noting that major infrastructure and welfare schemes were introduced under his leadership. Lallu also expressed confidence in party candidate Ghasi Ram Majhi, describing him as a grassroots leader who has been working for the people for over three decades.

“BJP and BJD are spreading false narratives that Bhakta Das will be removed if Congress loses in Nuapada. Let me make it clear — far from being removed, Bhakta Das will lead the Odisha Congress in the 2029 elections,” Lallu declared.

“BJP Trying to Win Through Fear”: Congress Legislature Party Leader

Congress Legislature Party leader Ram Chandra Kadam condemned an alleged incident in Komna, where the PSO of a BJP MLA from Koraput fired in the air to intimidate locals while drunk.

“BJP and BJD want to win not through votes but through fear and misuse of administration,” Kadam said, adding that Congress’s tribal candidate Ghasi Ram is more popular and deeply connected to the people.

“Unable to face people’s support for Congress, BJP has resorted to intimidation tactics. But the people of Nuapada have already decided to vote for Ghasi Ram,” Kadam asserted.

“BJP-BJD Have Done Nothing Beyond Freebies”: Jagannath Patnaik

Former minister Jagannath Patnaik said the Modi government’s flawed MGNREGA policies have pushed tribals into deeper distress, citing the starvation death of Nisha Mankadia in Sukinda as an example of government apathy.

“The same neglect exists in Nuapada. Tribals are losing their rights, facing debt, hunger, and exploitation,” Patnaik said. He reminded that during the Congress government, major irrigation projects like Patora and Tikahali, as well as electrification and road infrastructure, were initiated.

“In 25 years of BJD and BJP rule, apart from distributing freebies, what major development project have they started?” he asked.

Senior Leaders Present

Among those present at the conference were AICC spokesperson Dr. Hamid Hussain and Nuapada District Congress media coordinator Sudhir Mishra, along with several other senior party leaders.