In the running

Jamshedpur, Nov. 5: Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) president and Ghatshila MLA Pradeep Balmuchu is tipped to be the chairman of the prestigious 20-point programme implementation committee.

Madhu Koda appointed Balmuchu as protem Speaker soon after the formation of his UPA-supported government. However, later Alamgir Alam was appointed the full-time Speaker. “The party wants Balmuchu to focus on organisation. It wants him to strengthen his hold over the government. This would not have been possible if he was a full-time Speaker. Therefore, Alam was chosen as the Speaker and now the move is on to install Balmuchu in the 20-point programme implementation committee,” said a source.

According to party officials, the reshuffling of boards and corporations was put on hold because of Koderma elections. But sources said there has been a consensus in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) circles over Balmuchu’s nomination.

Sources said the party high command feels that the 20-point programme implementation committee is directly linked with people’s aspirations. “It can be an effective tool to reach out to the masses. It will also give a fresh lease of life to the party workers at the grassroots level. The move will not only bring goodwill but also expand the party’s support base,” added a source.

So far, the state Congress was facing a leadership crisis. In Balmuchu, who was appointed president of the party’s state unit, the high command apparently sees the future of Congress, added sources.