Gangster Tito’s aide appointed BJD district vice-president; MLA Sambit says name included by govt chief whip

The infighting in the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has once again come to the fore after the party appointed gangster Tito’s close associate Jyotikant Parida as the vice-president of Jagatsinghpur district unit.

Controversy has erupted within the BJD faction after Paradip MLA Sambit Routray expressed his displeasure over the inclusion of Parida, who has criminal cases, for the top post in the district.

The BJD, which always claim to be following a policy of transparency and zero tolerance towards crime, seems to be now on the backfoot as questions are now being raised within the party over Jyotikant Parida alias Bapu’s appointment as party’s vice-president from Jagatsinghpur district.

Paradip MLA Sambit Routray clearly stated that he had recommended several names of workers from the district but some of the names of candidates were deleted and the name of Parida was included. Parida’s name was included by former Jagatsinghpur district president and present Government chief whip Prashant Muduli, claimed Routray.

It is pertinent to mention here that over 20 cases are registered against Parida, who was also arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) in 2018.

“Two names recommended by me were dropped and new names were added. Former district president Prashant Muduli has given Parida’s name. Only he can say why he recommended Parida’s name for the top post,” Routray said.

“As the post holds significance, we had recommended senior leaders’ names. I have nothing to say why Parida’s name was included in the list,” Routray added.

BJP leader Tejeswar Parida targeted the ruling BJD over the issue. “It is no surprise that BJD has roped in a person having criminal links as district vice president. The party has been shielding leaders and ministers involved in heinous crimes. There is absolutely no transparency in BJD,” said the BJP leader.

Niranjan Nayak, Jagatsinghpur district Youth congress vice-president said, “As per government record, Jyotikant Parida has several criminal cases pending against him. We are surprised over his inclusion in the organisation.”

Meanwhile, Parida and Government chief whip Prashant Muduli could not be contacted over the matter.

After making explosive statements, Routray changed his stand and later said, “It is an internal matter of BJD and party high command will decide on it.”