Candidate selection on merit, not on recommendation: Cong

BHUBANESWAR: AICC In-charge of Odisha Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said the party would adopt the "one family, one ticket policy" and not consider recommendations while choosing candidates.
"We have decided not to entertain any recommendation while selecting candidates for the ensuing general and state assembly elections. The party has also decided to give one ticket to one family," Singh said.
There should be no ticket given to brothers, sons and relations of contesting leaders, he said.
Stating that winning ability is the only criteria for candidate selection, Singh said, "A year ago, AICC had declared the screening committee. Within a next few days, candidates will be selected for tickets, which will be distributed only on merit."
OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik had earlier announced that the Congress will select at least 50 candidates by the end of August.