With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha bracing up for its groundwork ahead of the 2024 General Elections, the party’s internal bickering once again came to the fore on Friday after Deogarh MLA Subash Panigrahi took a sharp dig at Sambalpur MP Nitesh Ganga Deb, saying the MP has been under house arrest.
According to sources, Panigrahi’s outburst against his own MP has exposed the deep-rooted fissures in the saffron outfit.
Speaking to the media, Panigrahi said, “Since the MP did not tour his constituency and has not worked for the people, he has fallen from the grace of the people.”
“I wonder how he can contest elections while it is widely discussed now that his wife is going to get a ticket from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The MP and his wife have been entangled in a domestic feud. He may not contest the election and remains under house arrest.”
The Deogarh MLA also asserted that no one can unseat him from his constituency.
The MP could not be reached for his response to Panigrahi’s allegations.
However, Arundhati Devi, wife of the MP, countered the MLA, saying,"The MLA’s statement has hurt us. Our family is in politics for serving people, but not for popularity. The royal family has always been with the people of Deogarh. His statement is part of his strategy.”
She also alleged that Panigrahi has tarnished the name of Deogarh by making such statement about the MP and is creating hurdles for the the latter.