Bhubaneswar: Feb 22: Congress could not reach three figures in the recently concluded Panchayat Poll in Odisha, which has given a strong setback for state Congress Unit. President of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Prasad Harichandan said, he himself is accountable for the miserable show of Congress in the three-tier Panchayat polls, though some other factors responsible for the performance of his party. While speaking to the media persons at Jayadev Bhavan, he said, ‘ BJD and BJP spent huge amount of money to influence the voters. Also, they have used the government machinery and muscle power during their campaign.’ Congress will now review the Political scenario as well as the Panchayat election result and also, develop its further strategy just after the declaration of results of assembly elections of states which are on process.’ ’Speaking on the impressive electoral gains made by BJP, Harichandan said, ‘this is temporary and it may not be repeated in the Assembly elections in 2019’. Harichandan congratulated his party colleague and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Das under whose leadership Congress came out with flying colours and is all set to form Zilla Parishad. He also welcomed the party workers and leaders of Rayagada and Gajapati districts where Congress remained ahead of other parties.
