Decision on Gamang in two days — Scindia

Scindia and senior MP Vayalar Ravi were 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. They returned on Wednesday night and have submitted their report to AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

But the Congress high command appears to be in a dilemma as moves and counter-moves from rival factions have forced the AICC to assess the pros and cons of Gamang’s ouster.

A report from Bhubaneswar said that 40 MLAs, supporters of senior leaderBasant Kumar Biswal, who changed sides after initially demanding Gamang’s removal, have sent a memorandum to the high command for continuation of the Chief Minister. But, they said if Gamang was replaced, they would support Biswal’s candidature.

Meanwhile, Gamang, who arrived in the Capital on Wednesday night, met Gandhi to apprise her of the political situation in the State. 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.