On Wednesday, the former Odisha Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang rejoined the Congress along with his wife and son, insisting that he had adhered to the party’s ideology even after his exit from the party in 2015, to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and then switched to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Besides, Gamang was at the Congress Headquarters in New Delhi with his family and former MP Sanjay Bhoi, who also joined the party.
Why did Gamang leave the party?
During Gamang’s tenure, he felt sidelined by the party’s high command after his government was dismissed in 1999 following the super cyclone in Odisha. He felt blamed for the tragedy, despite claiming he wasn’t consulted by the central govt before withdrawing cyclone relief funds.
Besides, Gamang often clashed with the central Congress leadership, particularly Sonia Gandhi over issues like leadership style and policy decisions. Also, the BJP’s rise in Odisha presented Gamang with a potential alternative. But later he switched to BRS. However, the nine-time Lok Sabha MLA joined the Congress with his wife Hema and son Shishir.
Rejoins with Family
The official reason for Giridhar Gamang’s return to Congress might lie in his aspirations and political convictions. Meanwhile, joining the party with family can strengthen political standing and build a dynastical legacy, as the Gamanas have a strong political presence in Odisha.
Moreover, Gamang’s wife and son share his ideological outlook and belief in Congress’s vision in Odisha. This shared vision could motivate them to contribute and strengthen the party’s presence in the state with his network and support base. Additionally, the Congress party leaders welcomed the return of the veteran leader along with Bargarh MP Sanjay Bhoi.
Congress’s Reaction to Giridhar’s Return
The senior Congress leader and treasurer Ajay Maken welcomed Gamang and his family at the Delhi event. He said, “We are very happy that Giridhar Gamang, Hema Gamang, Sanjay Bhoi, and Shishir Gamang- all our colleagues- have returned to the Congress…”. The former Lok Sabha member and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar said, “Odisha’s four leaders, who were a part of the Congress family but left for some reasons, are now returning home”. Likewise, several other leaders welcomed and congratulated Gamang on his return to the party
Moreover, Gamang also thanked Congress for letting his family come back. “I want to thank everyone…Congress Party is a party that engages in principled politics… and I want to be a part of such party,” he said.
Political Implications
Gamang’s stature as a veteran leader and his experience as chief minister could energize the party base and attract new voters. Also, his connection to tribal communities could help Congress tap into this crucial demographic, which the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) currently dominates. Furthermore, his return could be seen as a positive sign for the Congress’s efforts to revive itself nationally and challenge the BJP’s dominance.
About Giridhar Gamang
Giridhar Gamang is a veteran Indian politician who has left his mark on Odisha’s political landscape. Born in 1943, he has worn many hats- a nine-term Member of Parliament, Union Minister, and Chief Minister of Odisha in 1999. His legacy is a complex one, marked by both triumphs and controversies. Despite all this, Gamang remains a significant figure in Odisha’s political arena.
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