Jolts to BJD as party-supported leaders & workers continue to switch allegiance to BJP

After a dismal show in the last General Elections, BJD is gradually losing the confidence of its panchayat-level leaders and workers. A large number of BJD-supported leaders switching allegiance to the ruling BJP is increasing daily.

Even, hundreds of BJD workers including many party-supported Sarpanchs and Samiti members from Hinjili constituency, which is considered the bastion of party supremo Naveen Patnaik for the last 25 years, joined the BJP in the presence of party president Manmohan Samal in Bhubaneswar a couple of days back. 

Making things worse, some discontent BJD workers assembled at Kareisuni in Hinjili against Naveen’s representative Sarat Mohapatra on August 16. They shouted slogans against Mohapatra by alleging that they were getting neglected within the party.

Moreover, BJD-supported five Sarpanchs and Samiti members from Sheragada block also joined the BJP recently. The panchayat level leaders alleged that the ground-level workers are getting neglected and as a result, the party is getting weaker.

“BJD is giving importance to only a few leaders and neglecting others. This kind of attitude by the party has irked many leaders and workers. Hence they are forced to join BJP. Thus BJD is gradually getting disintegrated,” said Krushna Chandra Suansia, a BJD-supported Sarpanch who joined BJP recently.

Panicked over the situation, Naveen called all the BJP-supported public representatives from the constituency to Naveen Niwas and advised them to remain united.

“Naveen inspired us to work for the people. He also assured us to extend full help and cooperation if we face any kind of difficulties,” said Krushna Chandra Bhola, a BJD-supported Sarpanch.

In major jolts to BJD, BJP snatched away power from the Opposition party in Khallikote block. The ruling party also managed to keep the Deputy Chairman post in Harabhanga block. The saffron party has reportedly set a target to apply the same strategy in other blocks of the State as well.

Many BJD-supported Sarpanchs and Samiti members in Keonjhar Sadar and Bansapal blocks also joined BJP a few days ago. These BJD-supported leaders are currently in power in both blocks and they are most likely to face a no-confidence motion soon. Similar is the situation in Bari and Dharmashala blocks.

“More BJD leaders and workers will join BJP in coming days by getting attracted towards our ideology,” said BJP MLA Purna Chandra Sethy.

However, responding to the current situation, BJD alleged that BJP is luring and blackmailing BJD workers to join their party.

“BJP is trying to hijack power by attracting BJD leaders and workers. Some of the BJD leaders are feeling suffocated and changing the party. But not all will rise to the bait of BJP," said BJD MLA Pradip Dishari.