Selection of wrong candidates cost party in Orissa: Congress

Admitting that selection of wrong candidates and changes effected at eleventh hour led to its poll debacle in Orissa, Congress today accused BJD of rigging the election to retain power.     

"We will accept the verdict of the people honourably and will work as a constructive opposition to expose the misdeed and failure of Naveen Patnaik government," OPCC vice-president Sibananda Ray told mediapersons here.      

Ray alleged that the ruling BJD despite losing its majority after withdrawal of support by BJP, violated the process of election by indulging in rigging at many places.      

He also alleged that BJD leaders used official mechinery and even directed the officials to rig in their favour.      

Ray, however, replying to a question ruled out tendering resignation of the OPCC president K P Singh from his post on moral ground on the defeat of the party in the state.     

Among others, Narendra Mishra, convenor media cell of the PCC, Kailash Acharya, chairman of PCC media cell were present.