Veteran Congress Leader Giridhar Gamang may join BJP

Senior Congress leader, nine-time Lok Sabha MP from Koraput, former Union Minister and the Ex Chief Minister of Odisha, Giridhar Gamang, may quit the Congress in disgust to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it has been speculated.

Although Gamang remains tight-lipped about his future course of action, his son Sisir Gamang has hinted that Giridhar will quit Congress in 2/3 days, as his concerns and suggestions have been ignored within the party.

Giridhar, the prominent tribal face of the Congress in Odisha, had alleged that some party leaders worked against him in 2014 Lok Sabha polls to ensure his defeat to BJD’s Jhina Hikaka. However, his allegations against some Congress leaders from Koraput district, were not taken into account. Just a few days ago, he had talks with Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.

Giridhar’s wife Hema Gamang had quit the Congress to join the BJD ahead of 2014 polls. She contested on a BJD ticket in the assembly polls, but lost. Giridhar Gamang was the CM of Odisha between 17th February 1999 and 6th December 1999. He was accused of mismanaging the 1999 Super Cyclone, which saw Congress’ exit from power in the state. The party has not been able to make a comeback since then.