'BJD nest would be empty; a regional party fails to survive after its founder becomes sick...': BJP's Arabinda Dhali

The recent development in which Mamata Mohanta announced her resignation from the Rajya Sabha and primary membership of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and subsequently joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not only triggered speculations but also warmed up politics in Odisha.

Senior BJP leader Arabinda Dhali on Friday made some startling claims regarding the BJD. While talking to reporters, Dhali stated that there would be no existence of BJD and its 'nest would be empty' soon.

“There was resentment, infighting and no freedom in BJD. When I was with BJD, felt suffocated due to lack of freedom to express myself. Be it Ministers or MLAs, we could not meet the BJD president,” alleged Dhali.

According to Dhali, VK Pandian was everything and it was only with his permission that anyone could meet the BJD president. But things are totally different in BJP as everyone is able to meet the Chief Minister.

“The BJD house would be empty and the party will split in future. The situation is such that there would be infighting in the BJD. Any regional party after some point of time doesn’t last after its founder becomes sick or anything else happens. Merger happens in case of only regional parties. BJP is a national party,” he said.

BJP is doing its work and trying to fulfill its promises made to the people. The work is going on in full swing, which the BJD could not achieve in 25 years of governance, added Dhali.

Responding to the statement made by Dhali, BJD's Amar Satpathy said, “We have a lot of spokespersons and they are the right people to comment on it. Any party will face mishaps if no step is taken to strengthen its organisation. Steps are on and let’s see what happens.”