Rourkela: Among the many strange things that are happening to the Congress in Rourkela these days, a show of solidarity by two warring heavyweights, who exchanged blows before full media glare sometime back, has sparked speculations among party workers and, observers as well.
On May 13 this year, the two veterans of Rourkela Congress – PCC elected member Sabir Hussein, a former Ranji player, and Umesh Saran, who claims to be a co-opted member of AICC – threw punches at each other and got into a wrestling match before pinned each other down in full presence of media.
Following this, Saran was suspended from the party while Hussein was issued a show cause notice. Though the incident was one of the darkest episodes in the annals of the party which at present stands divided, none of the leaders opened their mouths afterwards. Matters took a curious turn recently on the sidelines of a function to felicitate a newly elected Youth Congress leader. The two warring strongmen stood close to each other in solidarity with garlands around their necks. They even shook hands and hugged each other before the media. Reportedly, the programme was organised by Saran. The Congress leadership present at the function owed their allegiance to the current PCC Chief Sarat Pattnaik.
However, the notable absentees were former DCC Biren Senapaty, the last Congress MLA from Rourkela Prabhat Mohapatra who was insulted by party cadres during a demonstration in front of the newly built hockey stadium, Rabi Ray, and others. One of the dissidents said, “I think Umesh must have invited them. But they didn’t show up since they must be feeling ashamed of their actions against the party.
However, as you saw it today, it will not affect party unity. With Saran and Hussein burying their hatchet, we are going to be stronger now.” Nevertheless, despite the show of solidarity before cameras, the body language of the warring leaders spoke volumes about their simmering disdain.
However, both Saran and Hussein, the latter being an aspirant for an MLA ticket, tried to downplay issues between them. As Hussein said: “Please don’t read much too much into that incident.” Another senior leader said, “Saran should be back in the party because he is a strong and dedicated cadre and he will return soon.” Meanwhile, observers said things would be interesting to watch once the long-delayed and much-awaited DCC is declared in the coming days.
