Odisha’s political circles are abuzz after senior Congress leader and former Speaker Kishor Chandra Patel headlined an RSS centenary celebration, fueling rumours that he may be preparing to join the BJP.

The Controversial Appearance

On Saturday, Patel served as the chief guest at the event held in Bhabanibhavan Padia, Sundargarh, where he praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its ideology. His presence has stirred excitement and concern in local political corridors, with Congress district leaders reportedly troubled by the development.

Party insiders noted their disappointment, particularly because Congress Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi continues to actively criticize the RSS and BJP in Parliament, describing them as authoritarian. Gandhi has reiterated the party’s commitment to ideological opposition against them.

Patel’s Political Legacy

Patel’s move raises intriguing questions about his future. Without RSS support, the BJP’s expansion in Odisha is considered challenging. Could Patel, a veteran Congress leader, be preparing to cross over?

Patel’s long political career includes:

• Born in 1946, came to prominence during the 1964 student agitation for Indira Gandhi’s release.

• Served as District Congress President (1985) and District Congress General Secretary (1987).

• Elected MLA from Sundargarh three times: 1977, 1980, 1995.

• Speaker of the Assembly: March 1995 – January 1996.

• Forest Minister under Janaki Ballav Patnaik: Aug 1998 – Feb 1999.

• Health & Family Welfare Minister under Hemant Biswal: Dec 1999 – Mar 2000.

Clarification and Party Concerns

In response to the speculation, Patel denied any plans to defect, stating his attendance was without any hidden agenda.

Meanwhile, the Congress high command in Odisha faces a delicate situation, weighing whether Patel’s visit is merely a symbolic gesture or an early signal of a potential major political shift.

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