TV
Senior BJD leader Munna Khan is rumoured to have resigned from his post as coordinator of the BJD Minority Cell (Southern Zone).
According to sources, Khan visited Naveen Nivas, the residence of BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, and submitted his resignation.
Khan held a key position in the BJD Minority Cell, which was formed on May 5, to strengthen the party’s outreach among minority communities.
His resignation, coming so soon after the cell’s formation, has raised eyebrows within political circles.
The Minority Cell was established with senior leader Dillip Tirkey as its convenor.
Though the reasons behind Khan's reported resignation remain unclear and no official statement has been issued by him or the party yet, speculations are rife that his move has links to the recent Waqf voting row.
“I had come to meet my leader, Naveen Patnaik, and I am returning after meeting him,” Munna Khan said to mediapersons. When asked why he had come, the BJD leader remained tight–lipped (avoided) and moved on in his car.
Waqf Voting Row
Khan recently targeted Party MP Sasmit Patra for voting in favour of the Waqf Bill and going against the party’s official stance.
“Naveen Patnaik instructed us to vote against the Bill. Double standards will not be tolerated. Those wanting to join the BJP can leave, but don’t stay in BJD and act otherwise,” Khan had previously said.
Later, BJD president Naveen Patnaik assured to investigate his party's ‘controversial’ position on the Waqf Bill in Rajya Sabha.
However, there has been no report of any action being taken by the party so far.
“Think of what they (Munna Khan and his supporters) have ‘sacrificed’ for the party. There are two things. What they have done for the party and what the party has done for them. Being ‘senior’ or ‘junior’ does not matter. It is not just about being assigned posts and responsibilities. If someone has a post but does not discharge his duties properly, what is the use of it?” another BJD leader, Mahesh Sahoo, remarked.
“Some people just hold posts but have never visited their respective blocks and tehsils. They are in an advisory body but are not able to move (be in touch with the grassroots level). What is the meaning (usefulness) of being a senior? Seniority has its own limits. Was he not given responsibilities by the party? How long should the party keep on doing so? One has to work to enjoy the privileges,” Mahesh Sahoo expressed.
“Has he been removed from the party? Have you ever heard anything like this? He is very much in the party. One can work even by sitting at home. Not all the members have been assigned responsibilities in committees. Eighty-one persons were placed in committees, and not all members can possibly be accommodated,” BJD leader Sahoo stated.
“An MLA was assigned a post in my place. What should I do then? Obviously, I have to keep working for the party,” BJD’s Mahesh Sahoo added.
