BJD corporators attend event with BJP MP and MLA, raise eyebrows amid 'infighting'

Two Biju Janata Dal (BJD) corporators, Amaresh Jena and Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar were spotted sharing the stage with BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi and Ekamra MLA Babu Singh during the closing ceremony of the Khandagiri Kumbha Mela on Saturday.

The two corporators also gave speeches at the event raising eyebrows and fueling rumours of growing BJP leanings. Additionally, the move also deepened concerns over alleged growing fissures within the Bhubaneswar BJD faction.

Incidentally, in September last year, the BJD handed out disciplinary action against Jena, Mahasupakar, and two others for alleged indiscipline. The party had then also issued show-cause notices, demanding replies within 15 days.

In that incident, Jena claimed they aimed to 'fix, not fracture' the party while Mahasupakar stressed adherence to party unity. Meanwhile, 25 to 30 BJD corporators opposing the duo had visited Puri’s Lokanath Temple, symbolically vowing to remain united amid the rift.

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The current concerns come just days after tensions erupted in Berhampur of Ganjam district, where BJD factions clashed over control of the Mayor’s post.

Supporters of former MLAs Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik and Bikram Panda reportedly attempted to oust Mayor Sanghamitra Dalai during a heated municipal meeting, prompting her to seek police protection. The rivalry also turned civic meetings into battlegrounds, reflecting wider discontent since Dalai’s appointment.

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The BJD corporators, Amaresh Jena and Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar, are yet to comment on the 'BJP-link' allegations.