NEW DELHI, India: Congress (I) dissidents in Orissa stepped up their pressure for removal of J.B, Patnaik’s from Chief Minister ship on the ground that he was involved in a shady affair. A memorandum signed by 71 Congress M.L.A’s was submitted to Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi seeking an immediate change of leadership to halt further erosion of Congress (I) popularity in the state. A five member team of dissident M.L.A s explained the political situation in the state. The delegation handed over to Mr. Gandhi a separate letter from the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly and seven ministers of Mr. Patnaik’s cabinet this regard. Mr. Gandhi understood to have assured the delegation that he would take up the matter shortly.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 12, 1986
