LoP Naveen Patnaik seemingly confirms BJD leaders leaning towards BJP

BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Thursday reprimanded Champua MLA Sana Mahakud for missing the party's legislature meeting and asked him if he is joining the BJP. In a rare instance, Patnaik engaged in a forthright discussion with Mahakud while entering the State Legislative Assembly ahead of the budget session on Thursday.

Accompanied by fellow BJD MLAs, Patnaik queried why Mahakud was absent from the BJD legislators' meeting held on Wednesday. Mahakud explained that he was unwell; however, Patnaik issued a biting rejoinder.

“Why didn’t you attend the party meeting yesterday,” questioned Naveen.

In reply, the Champua MLA said, “I wasn’t well yesterday”; listening to this, Naveen again asked, “Arey, are you leaning towards BJP?”

The LoP asking Mahakud whether it was his health or he was leaning towards the Bharatiya Janata Party seemingly confirmed that Naveen is aware that several BJD leaders are leaning towards the BJP.

Besides, this exchange has sparked widespread discussions regarding Mahakud's political leanings. Naveen’s comment has ignited considerable discussion within the political arena, sparking speculation about potential defections from the BJD to the BJP.

This concern has been underscored by recent events where several BJD leaders, including two Members of the Rajya Sabha and a number of panchayat committee chiefs, shifted their allegiance to the BJP.

In response, Mahakud has firmly reiterated his loyalty to the BJD amidst swirling rumours of a possible shift in allegiance to BJP.

“He (Patnaik) asked me about my absence from a recent party meeting and I told him that I was unwell. I will never move to BJP. After winning on the party ticket how can I move to the BJP? I am with BJD, I have been with BJD, and I will remain with BJD. As the party supremo, he has the prerogative to ask such questions,” said Mahakud.

A video clip has resurfaced from an event in Champua, conducted in December last year, depicting a moment of camaraderie between Mahakud and Chief Minister Mohan Majhi. In the footage, Mahakud is seen offering cake to Majhi, who humorously reciprocates by playfully spreading some on Mahakud’s cheek.

In response to it, Mahakud said, “Mohan Majhi is the Chief Minister of the State. He is not the Chief Minister of BJP. Hence, it’s my right to go near him for some developmental activities of our district,” said Mahakud.

“Naveen Patnaik asked Mahakud why he was absent in the party meeting and in reply Mahakud said that he was ill. We are all grateful that our party supremo is keeping a vigil on all our MLAs. As the party supremo, he has the right to ask such questions,” said BJD leader Sarada Jena.

On the other hand, senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra said that whenever the BJP blows a whistle, BJD will disintegrate.

“BJD is scared that all of their party leaders will switch allegiance to BJP. They have become sure that whenever the central leadership of BJP will want and blow a whistle BJD will disintegrate. Let them be worried and scared,” said Mishra.