OPCC issues show-cause notice to AICC member

The disciplinary committee of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee today issued show cause notice to AICC member and senior Congress leader Soumya Ranjan Patnaik for alleged anti-party activities.
Patnaik, son-in-law of Assam Governor J B Patnaik, has been accused of attempting to run an organisation parallel to Congress party.
"The committee issued show cause notice to Patnaik also for giving statements against Nehru-Gandhi family and creating an impression of division within the Congress party," OPCC's disciplinary committee chairman Harihar Karan told reporters here.
"Allegations against him may led to suspension and even expulsion from the party," Karan said replying to a question.

Patnaik has been asked to explain charges against him within seven days.
Karan said by running a parallel organisation, Patnaik has created an impression in the public that Congress was not united.

"Patnaik, in his statements, has also mentioned about sale of Congress ticket during last elections. He needs to explain this," he said.
Patnaik, whose elder brother Niranjan Patnaik was recently replaced as Odisha PCC president, however, refuted allegations of breaking party discipline.
"I don't think I have committed any wrong. I guess there is some misunderstanding somewhere. However, I will reply to the notice," he said.
Patnaik had reportedly held Sankalp rallies recently at different places of the state on his own without informing OPCC or its leader Jaydev Jena.