Bhubaneswar: Itish Pradhan, convener of Odisha State unit of the National Students’ Union Of India (NSUI) and former president of Chhatra Congress, was today suspended from the primary membership of the organization with immediate effect. National secretary of NSUI, Motha Rohit suspended Pradhan for breaching organsiational discipline, a release issued by the students’ body said.

The moves come after some members of NSUI, the student wing of the Indian National Congress, levelled charges against Itish accusing him of creating rift in the organization recently. Even some youth leaders of NSUI had moved the central leadership of the Congress to lodge their grievances against Itish, said sources.

Political pundits opined that the Congress is planning to strengthen its base in the State and by suspending indiscipline youth leaders, the party is trying to portray a clean image.