Did backing Shreemayee cost MP Debashish Samantaray? Name missing from BJD ‘Bandhumi Milan’ invite

A political stir has erupted in Cuttack BJD after the name of Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray was found missing from an invitation card for the upcoming Dussehra ‘Bandhumi Milan’ programme scheduled for September 26. 

The invitation card includes the names of prominent party leaders such as Cuttack Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh, MLA Soubhik Biswal, and District President Prafulla Singh, but Samantaray’s name is notably missing. The omission has sparked discussions and dissatisfaction among Samantaray’s supporters within the party. 

According to sources, this controversy adds to ongoing debates surrounding his recent comments about the party, which have reportedly drawn discontent from both the high command and the ‘Coterie’ group of the BJD.

Commenting and supporting BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra’s recent indirect jibe at party Supremo Naveen Patnaik and former leader VK Pandian, Samantaray on Friday clarified that he fully agrees with her statements.

 “What Sreemayi said is absolutely correct. There is truth in everything she has mentioned,” he asserted, signaling his alignment with the state leadership despite the recent controversy.

The incident has created a buzz in local political circles, with observers noting that the episode could have implications for internal dynamics within the Cuttack BJD ahead of the Dussehra celebrations. 

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Downplaying the matter, Mayor Singh said, “Debashish Babu, along with Santrupta Mishra and Debi Mishra, have been invited as guests. After 10 years, we are organising the ‘Bandhu Milana’. Those who are guests, their names are not mentioned in the invitation.”