TV
In a twist to the ongoing political drama in Odisha, senior political leader and former Minister Prafulla Mallik has claimed that he resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) before the leadership placed him under suspension.
The former Kamakshyanagar MLA, who had earlier raised concerns over the party’s functioning and its role as the principal Opposition in the state, said he submitted his resignation on Friday morning after expressing dissatisfaction with the BJD’s organisational policies.
Mallik had cautioned that he might quit if the party did not operate in the right manner, claiming that several of his suggestions for strengthening the organisation were ignored.
However, the BJD issued a suspension order, citing Mallik’s involvement in alleged anti-party activities. In response, Mallik stated that the suspension came only after he had formally resigned, asserting that the party’s action was therefore redundant.
“I tendered my resignation from the party, citing personal reasons. I have also informed Debi Mishra and other leaders of the party. Later, I saw the news about my suspension. I don’t know the reason behind it, and they can clarify it better,” Mallik said.
“But I resigned this morning, and now they are suspending me. I have not engaged in any anti-party activities. I simply have not been participating in party events, as I have already stated that the party is not functioning properly,” he added.
The former Minister, who served as a significant member of the Naveen Patnaik government, emphasized that he will continue his engagement in social work while stepping back from active political involvement.
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Commenting on the development, BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said, “He had called Pradip Amat at around 9 am-10 am and informed him. He has been suspended from the party.”
