It seems that the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is now in a fix over parallel padayatras (public rallies) being organised within the same constituencies by its leaders ahead of the crucial 2024 elections. The situation is such that some leaders have openly declared the names of the MLA candidates even without waiting for party supremo and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik’s announcement.
A similar situation is now prevalent in Dhamnagar. Who will be the party’s face from Dhamnagar? Whether it will be Abanti Das, who lost the bypoll, or independent candidate Rajendra Das who has returned to the party fold?
Though BJD is preparing a strategy to claim the seat after suffering defeat from BJP in the last by-election, Bhadrak MP’s husband and former Dhamanagar MLA Muktikant Mandal has already announced a candidate from the seat even though no confirmation has been received from the party's high command.
During a padayatra, Mandal can be heard saying that Odisha CM will come to power for the sixth term and Dr Sanjay Das will be MLA from Dhamnagar. When contacted, Mandal said that though CM has not given the ticket, Sanjay will contest from the seat.
“Everybody is saying that he is our aspirant candidate and I have also said this. But CM has not given a ticket to anyone,” said Mandal.
“I will be the first one to know when CM declares the candidate. Till now nothing of that sort has happened. At present, we all are working to strengthen the party. He (Muktikant Mandal) has said this as I am an aspirant for the MLA ticket and there is no controversy, “said Sanjay.
Apart from Dhamnagar, the rift within the BJD is also visible in Kendrapara’s Rajnagar. On one hand, while MLA Dhruba Sahoo organised a padayatra, a parallel padayatra was taken out by zilla parishad deputy vice-chairperson Ashok Padihary. Similarly in the Nilagiri Assembly constituency, resentment is brewing against last time MLA candidate Santosh Khatua. Dissatisfied workers organised a ‘bandhu milan’ at Oupada block.
Earlier, former BJD MLA Sanjay Das Burma’s group had allegedly assaulted Kailash Parida, a member of Zilla Parishad zone 28, for organising meetings at different places. Once said to be an associate of Burma, things have now turned bitter between them.
“I was hearing grievances at Krushnaprasad. While returning, some people attacked me by taking Sanjay Das Burma’s name and threatened that I cannot do such meetings,” alleged Kailash.
Responding to this, Sanjay Das Burma said, “People have given a chance to serve. I have been associated with the people of this region for the last two decades and they have faith in BJD and me.”
Why Parallel Padayatras?
It is said that there is growing resentment over how things are being managed within the BJD. Power shows have increased within the party to challenge the aspirant candidates.
BJD MLA Nrusingha Sahu, on the other hand, said that MLAs have been given the responsibility of the padayatras and those who are taking out similar padayatras are doing anti-party works.
“The padayatras are being organized by MLAs, student and mahila wings of the party. Others who are doing such are engaging in anti-party activities. Whenever elections are around the corner, such things happen. But these will have no impact on BJD,” said Sahu.