The infighting in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is reportedly growing acute in four Assembly constituencies in Jagatsinghpur district. While multiple ticket aspirants have made things messier in Jagatsighpur, Tirtol, Paradip and Balikuda-Erasama assembly segments, the political equation has taken an interesting turn in the district after Congress leader Chiranjeevi Biswal joined the ruling party.
As per reports, factional feuds are acquiring serious proportions as ticket hopefuls have been showing their strengths by organizing rallies, meetings and processions from the district level to Naveen Niwas.
Amid all this, former MLA and Congress leader Chiranjib Biswal joined the BJD on Saturday, adding an interesting twist to the political equation in Jagatsinghpur segment. Public buzz is rife about who will be given ticket for the constituency which is being represented by Prasanta Muduli.
People are waiting to see if Biswal is given a ticket, what will become of Muduli while another BJD leader Amarendra Das has intensified his lobby for a ticket. This has created a rift among the leaders, sources said.
After joining the party, Biswal said,” I will stay as a small party worker. I will do as per the instructions of top party leaders. I hope that I will have my efforts and contribution in ensuring that the party will win over 120 Assembly and over 15 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha.”
BJD ticket aspirant Amarendra Das said, ”People want a leader who can reach out to them in their time of need. The Chief Minister will take a right decision.”
Similar is the situation in Balikuda-Erasma and Pradip segments. Challenging the leadership of MLA Raghunandan Das, BJD leader Soumyajit Mohapatra, who is aspiring for a party ticket, organised a roadshow at Naveen Niwas on Sunday, pressing for his ticket lobby.
In Paradip, MLA Sambit Routray is facing a challenge from Congress leader Bapi Sarkhel, though the latter has not joined the ruling party. Bapi’s wife Monideepa recently joined the BJD. It is speculated that Bapi may manage to get a BJD ticket this time, scuttling the chances of Sambit.
Also Read | Sans basic facilities, 'poll boycott' voice gets louder in Odisha villages
BJD leader Soumyajit Mohapatra of Balikuda-Erasama segment, said, “The Chief Minister has given priority to youth leaders. I hope he will certainly approve my candidature. My candidature will impress him.”
BJD’s district unit president Rabinarayan Jena said, “All party leaders will abide by the decision of the Chief Minister. The leaders who organize the party through different forums come together later and work for the party.”