By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 19, 2018: The beleaguered Congress has finally something to cheer about with the appointment of senior party leader Niranjan Patnaik as the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC).

Patnaik replaces Prasad Harichandan as the OPCC president.

Reacting to the development, Patnaik stated, “Rahul Gandhi has taken the decision while respecting the wishes of supporters of Congress and people of the State. Democracy in the party has been maintained. I hope that the party organisation will be strengthened in the State.”

“Time has come to give priority to youth leadership and Congress will encourage new faces so that the party will be strengthened for the next 20-30 years,” he added.

Patnaik further stated, “I accept that the Congress is in a weak position in Odisha. With collaborative efforts, hard work and dedication, the results will be different.”

The AICC also appointed party legislators Naba Das and Chiranjib Biswal, and former MP Pradeep Majhi as three working presidents of OPCC.

Bhakta Charan Das has been appointed chairperson of the campaign committee whereas former PCC president Jayadev Jena will be the core committee chairperson.

Sarat Patnaik, who is also another former OPCC chief, has been appointed the convener of the core committee, as per the AICC statement.