BJD infighting: Female councillor alleges misbehaviour by party's male councillor

A male councillor of the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the Balasore civic body allegedly misbehaved with a female councillor (identified as Sashirekha Mohanty) of his party in this district.

The allegations were brought by the female councillor from the ward No-23 on Wednesday.

As per an FIR lodged by Sashirekha with Sahadevkhunta Police, on November 1, the male councillor (identified as Debasish Singh) from BJD and ward No-22 under the municipality limits showed her rude behaviour and also made casteist remarks. However, the police have not taken any steps in this regard yet.

Irked with the inaction of local police and the alleged rude behaviour of the male councillor of her party, Sashirekha conducted a press conference along with 12 other BJD councillors and ventilated her resentment. Even, she was seen crying in the presser.

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This development has reflected the internal bickering going on inside the party. One faction supports former MLA Swarup Das and the other is with former MP Rabindra Jena.

“I have been representing ward No-22 for the last 32 years since 1992, only except for two terms. I have neither misbehaved with any woman nor would do so in future. I never had a face-to-face interaction with her (Sashirekha),” Debasish Singh said mediapersons.

“There are two groups within our party (BJD) and both factions often indulge in infightings,” Debasish Singh expressed.

When asked if there is any difference between the BJD leaders and workers, Debasish Singh added saying, “Yes, hundred per cent it is there. I am with Jena Babu and they are with Tukuna Babu. As usual, they are lodging false FIRs against us.”

Reported By: Chandrakant Jena