Puri MLA Sunil Mohanty
The controversy over meeting venues has sparked fresh debate within Opposition BJD circles, with party's Puri MLA Sunil Mohanty expressing criticisms.
Mohanty on Thursday voiced concerns over party meetings being held at senior leader Pratap Deb’s residence. He argued these gatherings contravene party supremo Naveen Patnaik's directive, which discourages meetings in hotels, restaurants, or private residences.
Mohanty raised questions about the legitimacy of using a leader's private house for official BJD meetings.
Mohanty further argued that party meetings with only a few members present do not constitute official district meetings. He warned against internal attempts to destabilise the BJD in Puri and maintained that these efforts would not be successful.
Addressing reports of factionalism, Mohanty acknowledged the presence of conspiratorial groups within the party. Despite this, he confidently asserted that these elements cannot undermine BJD's stronghold in the Puri constituency and district.
Reflecting on the last 2024 General Elections, Mohanty stated that many BJD leaders were defeated. He also pointed out that concentrated efforts were made to defeat him in Puri.
Nevertheless, he remains firm in his belief that under Naveen Patnaik's guidance, any conspiracy would falter. Mohanty further stated that future decisions will rest solely with Naveen Patnaik.
"Conspirators remain everywhere and they often try to destabilise the party by breaking its discipline. However, they will not be successful in their efforts. There are many senior leaders including some senior ministers of BJD in Puri district. If the district meeting is conducted with few leaders, it will not be considered as the district meeting. Every leader should be involved in the district meeting. Our party still remains strong under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik. Our vote share still remains high and people have still confidence on Naveen Babu. Keeping this thing in mind, we are trying to strengthen our party," said Mohanty.