Why A Joint Presser By Akhilesh Yadav And Srikant Jena Has Spooked Congress – News18
Final Up to date:
Many political observers consider that the SP sees a strategic opening amid a divided Congress, inner strife inside the BJD, and the ruling BJP’s still-nascent affect in Odisha
Akhilesh Yadav said that uniting leaders like Srikant Jena may bolster the struggle for social justice. (X@yadavakhilesh)
A current occasion in Bhubaneswar has prompted a stir inside the Congress social gathering. Senior Congress chief Srikant Jena and Samajwadi Get together (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav had been seen collectively on the identical stage, holding a press convention the place they mentioned social justice and exchanged praises. This public look has reportedly not gone unnoticed by the Odisha unit of the Congress.
Whereas a gathering between previous pals won’t sometimes increase eyebrows, the choice to name a press convention and make joint statements has led to hypothesis, particularly as Jena has been vocal about feeling sidelined inside the social gathering since February 2025 when junior chief Bhakta Charan Das was appointed state president. Regardless of his dissatisfaction, Jena has maintained, “I’m not going anyplace.”
Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks added additional intrigue. He said that uniting leaders like Jena may bolster the struggle for social justice. Many political specialists have prompt that the SP chief sees potential in Jena and presumably a possibility to determine a foothold in Odisha.
Jena tried to downplay the importance of the assembly, explaining that Akhilesh was in Puri for a pilgrimage, and their press convention was coincidental. Nonetheless, many inside the Congress stay sceptical of this rationalization.
The scenario is especially precarious for the Odisha Congress, which is already in a weakened state with little organisational energy. Jena’s dissatisfaction and his public affiliation with the SP chief signify a big setback for the social gathering.
A senior Congress chief from Delhi acknowledged the significance of retaining Jena, indicating that the social gathering intends to talk with him. Nonetheless, many political commentators are of the view that significant retention requires providing Jena each a big function and recognition inside the social gathering.
One Odisha Congress MLA bluntly said that Jena ought to be given a distinguished function within the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to forestall his potential departure. Many are of the view that whereas the SP may presently be an ally, political concerns usually drive choices, and there’s credible concern that Jena may depart.
SP sources have indicated their curiosity in increasing into Odisha and have been in contact with some Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders. Many political pundits have prompt that with the Congress divided, the BJD dealing with inner conflicts, and the BJP’s affect nonetheless comparatively new, the SP sees a strategic alternative.
A number of specialists have claimed that the SP goals to determine a presence the place different events are struggling, and an skilled chief like Jena might be pivotal. Jena, who returned to the social gathering in 2024 after being expelled, however subsequently misplaced the election, stays a big participant. Many political analysts are of the view that his affiliation with Akhilesh Yadav suggests extra than simply an previous friendship; it hints at broader political manoeuvring.
- Location :
Odisha (Orissa), India, India
