Decision on Gamang in two days

Scindia was one of the two party observers who visited Orissa to study the political situation in the wake of revolt by more than 50 party MLAs who are demanding Gamang’s ouster for his alleged failure to handle the post-cyclone situation.

Asked whether he was ruling out any change of leadership, Scindia said "the whole thing is under discussion" but also went on to add that the sentiments of the party MLAs would be respected while taking a decision.

Scindia and the other central observer, Vayalar Ravi, returned here on Wednesday night and submitted their report to party president Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, Gamang, who also arrived here on Wednesday night, met Gandhi to apprise her of the political situation in the State after 50 of the 81 dissident party MLAs demanded his ouster over his alleged failure to tackle the post-cyclone situation. Details of the meeting which lasted for nearly two hours was not immediately available.

Earlier, Gamang had said that the "number game" should not decide his fate, but affirmed that he would abide by the dictates of the party president. "Whatever my leader decides, I will accept that. After all, I was made Chief Minister by her", he said.

Gamang was accompanied by his wife, Hema, a party MP, and former union ministers K P Singh Deo and K S Bhoi during his meeting with Gandhi, sources said.