Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at strengthening its tribal outreach and leveraging experienced leadership, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has announced the appointment of Yashbant Narayan Singh Laguri, a former Member of Parliament, as the new Chairperson of its Adivasi Congress Department. The decision, made by the party high command, is effective immediately.
Shri Laguri, who represented the Keonjhar constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha (2009-2014) as a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), brings a wealth of parliamentary experience and deep roots in the tribal communities of Odisha to his new role. He recently contested the Champua Assembly seat in Keonjhar as a Congress candidate in the 2024 elections, demonstrating his continued commitment to the party’s agenda.
Expressing his gratitude to the party leadership for the trust reposed in him, Shri Laguri stated, “I am honored and humbled by this responsibility. As a former MP who has directly represented tribal constituencies, I understand the challenges and aspirations of our Adivasi brothers and sisters intimately. My primary focus will be to amplify their voices, address their long-standing issues, and ensure their rightful place in the political and developmental landscape of Odisha.”
Party insiders believe Shri Laguri’s appointment signals the Congress party’s renewed and strategic commitment to tribal welfare and its efforts to regain lost ground in the tribal-dominated regions of the state. His extensive experience in working with various tribal organizations and his understanding of their unique challenges are expected to bring a fresh and impactful perspective to the department’s functioning.
Sources within the OPCC indicate that Shri Laguri will soon embark on a series of tours across the tribal belts of Odisha to engage directly with community leaders and members, understand their grievances, and formulate strategies to advocate for their rights. Key issues expected to be high on his agenda include land alienation, forest rights, education, healthcare access, and livelihood opportunities for tribal populations.
The appointment of Yashbant Narayan Singh Laguri is seen as a crucial step for the Congress party in Odisha as it gears up for future electoral challenges, aiming to consolidate its support base among the state’s significant tribal population.