Odisha Cabinet reshuffle: Supporters dissatisfied after Susanta Singh denied ministerial berth

Speculations are rife over the denial of ministerial berth to BJD leader Susanta Singh. The supporters of the heavyweight leader from western Odisha have openly expressed their dissatisfaction over his non-inclusion in the cabinet reshuffle. Only one leader from western Odisha, Sharada Nayak was included in the council of ministers today.

Bhatli MLA Susanta Singh was hopeful of getting a ministerial berth after the seat from western Odisha was vacant following the murder of health minister Naba Das. It is being said that the Bhatli MLA is unhappy over the decision and non-inclusion in the council of ministers.

Also Read: Odisha Cabinet reshuffle: Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sudam Marndi and Sarada Nayak sworn in as Ministers  

Earlier it was speculated that Susanta will regain ministerial berth after the party's massive victory in the Padampur byelection. Pradyumna Tripathy, the youth BJD president from Bargarh openly expressed his dissatisfaction after Susanta Singh was not included in the team.

“We were hopeful that Susanta Singh, who is a good organiser and a frontline leader, will get ministerial berth. If such neglect continues, we will think to resign en masse as there is resentment in western Odisha,” said Tripathy.

According to Tripathy, we had joined following the call by Susanta Singh and his non-inclusion certainly hurt us.

Senior journalist, Prasanna Mohanty said, “Ahead of the cabinet reshuffle, there were a lot of discussions on social media regarding Susanta Singh and his role within the party. It was believed that he could get a key responsibility."

According to Mohanty, Singh’s supporters are coming forward and expressing their dissatisfaction and it might affect the BJD.

"I am not unhappy, some people somewhere may be unhappy, but I am not. Those who came to me, I placated them. CM's blessings are always on us," said Singh