Sources said the OPCC chief, camping in New Delhi since the last three days, has suggested abolishing the post of vice-president now held by Patnaik-loyalist Anant Prasad Sethi. Biswal has reportedly threatened to resign as PCC chief unless the post is abolished.

Biswal rushed to New Delhi after his recommendations for reconstitution of the PCC executive were overlooked by the high command. Biswal, sources said, met party chief Sonia Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in charge of Orissa, Madhavrao Scindia. The Chief Minister is, however, not in favour of abolishing the post. Sethi has also launched hectic lobbying for continuing as PCC vice-president.

Biswal had recommended abolition of the post with a view to get rid of Sethi, who was virtually running thePCC before he took over as president.

Besides, he had also recommended several changes in the frontal organisations of the party including removal of presidents. Sources, however, pointed out that the AICC had completely overlooked Biswal's suggestions while finalising the new PCC executive.