Gamang gets more time as fresh team arrives

Gamang gets more time as fresh team arrives
BIJAY CHAKI

BHUBANESWAR, DEC 3: A three-member team of observers from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) comprising former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Motilal Vora, senior leader Vayalar Ravi and secretary Ramesh Chennithala reached here on Friday to decide the leadership issue in the state Congress. Chief minister Giridhar Gamang and president of the Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Hemananda Biswal also accompanied the observers.

Talking to newsmen at the airport, Chennithala said that Gamang has not tendered his resignation to party chief Sonia Gandhi. "He is still the chief minister," he maintained.

The observers, however, maintained that the stalemate will soon come to an end. "We will discuss the situation with the leaders and MLAs and find an amicable solution to the problem very soon", Chennithala added.

Ravi, who had also accompanied AICC general secretary Madhav Rao Scindia to Bhubaneswar last time, hoped that something will emerge from the discussions with leaders.

But the Chief Ministerwho returned to Bhubaneswar after apprising party chief Sonia Gandhi about the developments avoided the press. To a question whether he has tendered his resignation, Gamang shot back, ``Ask the observers.''

However, PCC chief Hemananda Biswal reiterated his earlier stand. "I still maintain that a change in the leadership will not be in the interest of the party," he added. The party should instead concentrate on relief and rehabilitation measures in the cyclone affected areas, he added.

Though there are speculations that the Chief Minister has already resigned, the picture is still confusing. The Chief Minister who drove straight from the airport to his official residence was closeted with his supporters. Sources said that the AICC observers have come with an open mind and will go by the majority view.