The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appears to be visibly worried over the unending infighting that may potentially sabotage the electoral prospects of its candidates in some places.
Hence, the ruling party has been on its toes carrying out a reconciliatory exercise almost every day at Sankha Bhawan between warring groups or ticket aspirants.
As for the Puri Assembly segment, there are two warring factions – one led by Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Khuntia and the other led by MLA candidate Sunil Mohanty, son of former Speaker and BJD stalwart, late Maheswar Mohanty.
It is said that as the two leaders did not get along with each other, the top leaders of the BJD called the two factions to the Sankha Bhawan to broker a truce.
Sources said that at the meeting, the top party leaders held discussions with the two warring leaders and their supporters about the need to work together by ironing out old differences.
As per sources, the party realised that the acute factionalism may spoil the chances of the party’s MLA and MP candidates in Puri if the problem is not addressed ahead of the elections.
Subhasish Khuntia said, “Representatives of 22 wards and 25 panchayats of Puri Sadar Assembly seat were called for discussions on elections. We have no conflict. The BJD is a party of discipline.”
Party’s MLA candidate for the Brahmagiri seat in Puri, Umakanta Samantaray said, "We have no groupism. The BJD will move further ahead. The party maintains discipline. The BJD will register remarkable electoral success in Puri district.”