At a time when the ruling BJD is struggling with its internal conflicts, its legislator Soumya Ranjan Patnaik continues to launch veiled attacks at the party.
While the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is celebrating its foundation day silver jubilee function in Puri today, its arch rival the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is launching a state-wide Satyagraha today.
On the occasion, Soumya Patnaik, who represents Khandapada (Nayagarh) assembly constituency, said Lord Jagannath has taught us a lesson, referring to the debacle in the Dhamnagar bypoll. He said as the party goes on winning, it is not advisable to do whatever we want. The party won in Padampur because we had eschewed ego.
“The BJD is constructing the temples across the State. Living in a good house and gods living in dilapidated houses is a bigger sin,” said Patnaik.
With almost all the parties carrying out the groundwork for the general election 2024, all eyes are set on Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as all are eagerly waiting to see what mantra he is going to give the party workers.
Meanwhile, what has been out in the open is that infighting within the party is putting paid to the ecstasy of the celebration.
It is said that the turf for the conch party is not going to be a smooth one for the rebellion in most constituencies.
Dhamnagar bypoll can be taken as an example.
After not getting a party ticket, Rajendra Das contested the election as an independent candidate and its consequences are known to all.
This is not the single case to prove the infighting in the party. Some days ago, groups of Minister Reeta Sahu and MLA Sushant Singh came face to face over contract works in Bijepur Assembly constituency.
The party’s senior leader Sanjay Das Burma, whose absence at the preparatory meetings and press meet for the foundation day ceremony triggered gossips, was seen at the celebration venue but not as active as he should be considering his seniority.
“In such a big party, a person is not important but the party’s principle is important,” said Das Burma.
At the same time, the party refuted the allegations of infighting in the party.
Senior leader Prasanna Acharya said, “We don’t believe in criticism but believe in organisation and progress.”
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chalked out strategies to corner the BJD ahead of National President J P Nadda’s visit.
The saffron party launched a State-wide Satyagraha today, protesting against the BJD’s alleged criminalisation of politics, atrocities against women and increasing cases of law and order situations. The party is organising this programme at every mandal across the State to make its voice heard loud and clear. All the leaders and workers are expected to take part in the Satyagraha.
(Reported by Pradeep Mohanty from Puri, OTV)