TV
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is under scrutiny after six of its MPs were absent during a key meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi yesterday. Their absence, amid an ongoing Parliament session, has triggered questions about the party’s coordination and internal dissent, sources said on Wednesday.
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According to sources, during a recent visit to the Election Commission regarding alleged election irregularities, the six BJD MPs were notably absent, creating a stir in political circles from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar.
The absentee BJD MPs — Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Munna Khan, Subhasish Khuntia, Debashish Samantaray, and Niranjan Bishi — did not attend the meeting or the subsequent press conference, though Parliament was in session and the six ‘dissident’ MPs, along with other party leaders, were present in New Delhi.
MP Sulata Deo alone appeared at the event. Senior party leaders, including Debi Mishra, Sanjay Das Burma, Amar Patnaik, Pramila Mallik, Niranjan Pujari, Bhrugu Baxipatra, and Sulata Deo, were listed to meet the Commission. However, the absent MPs were allegedly not invited. This raised suspicions and dissatisfaction within the party ranks.
Sources reveal that the six MPs were neither informed nor called to attend, leading to the allegation of internal discord and selective exclusion. The six MPs have expressed their dissatisfaction and hence boycotted the related party event in New Delhi.
With seven BJD MPs in the Rajya Sabha, the absence of six has become a focal point of debate about the party’s organisational health and unity.
Political analysts speculate whether this signals deeper fissures within the BJD or strategic sidelining. The controversy continues to fuel discussions on the political discipline and representation ahead of upcoming electoral challenges.
Senior BJD leader Debi Mishra and party media coordinator Lenin Mohanty responded to the absence of the six BJD MPs during the Election Commission meeting. They stated that the MPs could not attend due to other commitments and denied any factionalism within the party. Both leaders affirmed that all members are fulfilling their responsibilities diligently.
“What I know, the Election Commission had previously given permission for 5-6 persons to meet. Among 5-6 persons and as per a shortlist, only the selected leaders had to attend the meeting. The list included a woman MP, me as a representative and authorised agent for the Election Commission, and Amar Patnaik because he is dealing with the matter. This is what has happened, nothing else is there,” Debi Mishra said to mediapersons.
