TV
Infighting and groupism in former CM Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appear to be heating up the political atmosphere in Odisha. What started as an internal rift among corporators has now reached other party workers.
In a recent development, the BJD office ‘Sankha Bhawan’ on Tuesday witnessed massive fighting between two factions of BJD leaders from Khordha. As per reports, the party leaders from Khordha district had assembled at the ‘Sankha Bhawan’ to discuss crucial matters on Tuesday evening.
However, the situation heated up after two factions blamed each other for the party’s dwindling popularity among the masses. The situation was so bad that the workers were seen abusing each other, with screams echoing at the Sankha Bhawan.
However, the exact reason behind the rift was not immediately known. BJD party workers refused to comment on the reason for the fight.
Commenting on the alleged infighting, senior BJD leader Devi Mishra said, “There is no fighting or anything as such. There are a lot of rumours going on, but there are no complaints of any anti-party activities. Yesterday’s review meeting also ended peacefully.”
“This is our party’s internal matter. Our party leaders will deal with it. It is not in my personality to speak it out in the open. Pradip Sahu is like my elder brother. He has always supported me. A little indifference or misunderstanding can be solved. I’m with Naveen babu and will always stay with him,” said BJD leader Srimayee Mishra.
Similarly, BJD leader Manmath Routray said, “Our party meeting details should not be leaked to others. Ours is a democratic party, so there have been instances of difference in opinion. But, that doesn’t mean there is groupism or indifference. Our seniors will take proper decision. We respect our women members and they should also equally respect us.”
Notably, opposing Amaresh Jena and Biranchi Mahasupakar, around 25 to 30 BJD corporators had paid a visit to Lokanath temple in Puri in a bus a few days back. Speculations are rife that the corporators have joined hands demanding action against Amaresh Jena and Biranchi Mahasupakar.
Later, the conch party issued show cause notice to four leaders including the two corporators over ‘indiscipline’. BJD district president Sushant Rout has issued the notice to the leaders asking the party leaders to reply within 15 days on why disciplinary actions should not be taken against them.
