Fissure in BJD deepens in Berhampur, senior leader steps in to resolve dispute

Amid the ongoing conflict between two groups of BJD Corporators in Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) under Ganjam district, discussions were held under the leadership of senior party leader Sanjay Das Burma on Tuesday in a bid to resolve the dispute.

As per reports, the discussions were prompted by visible unrest between the factions, as certain party members have voiced criticisms and potentially aligned themselves against the current Mayor.

Some senior BJD leaders from the district were also present in the meeting that took place to mediate between two opposing groups of Corporators.

According to sources from within the BJD, the meetings were part of a greater initiative to restore harmony and ensure the party remains focused on its objectives. This approach is seen as crucial in maintaining the party’s stronghold in the region.

Notably, Ganjam was a bastion for BJD since its formation. However, the party faced a debacle in the last General Elections. Except for Naveen Patnaik’s Hinjili Assembly constituency, the party lost all other assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha constituencies as well.

Following the development, the fissure deepened within the 36 Corporators of BJD in the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC). The matter came to the fore following the conflict between the two groups in the last meeting.

Though both groups of Corporators met party supremo Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar a couple of days back, nothing could be resolved. BJD is now worried about the development.

Must Read: Clashes among Corporators trigger disruptions in Berhampur Municipal Corporation meeting

In a bid to save the bastion of the party in Ganjam, senior BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma reached Berhampur and he held separate discussions with the Corporators of both the groups. He also held discussions with other senior leaders of the party in the district.

According to Das Burma, discussions have been held with the party leaders in the district so that they will work united for the party.

However, a question mark has been raised whether the discussions with the party leaders in the district will be effective or not. Now, speculation is rife that many leaders of BJD in the district will join BJP ranks soon.