Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: The exercise for selection of state Youth Congress president has begun with the selection committee meeting held yesterday. The selection of the Youth Congress president will be a horrendous affair this time as there are more than 40 aspirants for the post.

The selection committee, headed by former MP and former Youth Congress president Ranjib Biswal had discussed with the applicants for the post. It will short list 5 names and send its report within 3 days to the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). Former Working President of Pradesh Congress President and former Youth Congress chief Pradip Majhi is the convenor of the selection committee, while former state Youth Congress presidents Sangram Jena and Rajat Chowdhury are its members.

Sources said the selection committee would recommend for the nomination  instead of election of the state Youth Congress chief this time.  The criteria for the selection will be long association with the party activities, state-wide contact and the ability to unite the youths. The name of the new Youth Congress president will be announced within a month.