BJD’s Byasanagar Municipality chairperson tripped by ‘no-confidence’ vote

In a political shift, Sangeeta Pingua was removed as chairperson of Byasanagar Municipality in Jajpur district on Wednesday following a no-confidence vote orchestrated by her own party, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Also Read: No-confidence motion vote in Jharsuguda's Kirmira Block fizzles out over absence of members

Sangeeta faced 20 votes against her, demonstrating a significant faction within the BJD. Furthermore, at least six councilors were notably absent from the vote, highlighting internal discord.

Before the vote, Sangeeta openly criticised her party’s leadership, accusing them of reducing functionaries to 'rubber stamps'. Her remarks were said to have been directed at prominent BJD leaders, Bobby Das (senior BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das) and his brother Bhaba Prakash Das, yet neither has publicly responded to these allegations.

Political analysts observe that such a vote within the party underscores underlying tensions and aligns with broader dissent expressed by some members within the party’s ranks. The turn of events might affect local governance and BJD's stature in the region.

Worth mentioning, a vote of ‘no confidence’ is scheduled to be held against Kalpana Rout, the chairperson of Mahakalapada block in Kendrapara district, on April 5. The signature verification process, a necessary step for this proceeding, was concluded on March 28.

Similarly, a scheduled no-confidence motion against the chairperson had encountered an unexpected halt as no members turned up for the proceedings in Kirmira block of Jharsuguda district, on January 10 this year.

Historical precedents of no-confidence motion

This marks the third major no-confidence attempt in Byasanagar Municipality's history. Previous motions against Chairperson Sabita Rout in 2016 and 2017 had failed when BJD councilors strategically abstained from voting.

Implications of the 'no confidence' motion

The successful motion creates leadership uncertainty in Odisha's industrial hub of Byasanagar. Political analysts suggest this could signal growing factionalism within BJD.

Must Read: ‘No confidence’ motion moved against Mahakalapada block chairperson; vote on April 5

Political context and voting process

The vote reflects ongoing internal conflicts within Odisha's ruling BJD party in Jajpur district. Dissenting councilors cited administrative inefficiencies and lack of coordination with municipal leadership as key reasons for initiating the motion. The secret ballot conducted on April 2 began at 12 Noon, with results announced the same day. The opposition required 18 votes to succeed but ultimately secured 20 against the chairperson.