Rift among party members in CM Naveen’s home turf worry for BJD!

Deepening political rift among party members in Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s home turf Ganjam, one of the most politically active districts, has come as a worry for the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

While the party is threatened by expelled BJD leader Pradeep Panigrahy, rift among its own members in Gopalpur, Digapahandi and Chhatrapur constituency has become a matter of concern.

To win back the trust of his voters, the expelled leader has been touring villages in his constituency and coming down heavily on government officials. The former Gopalpur MLA has been taking out massive rallies in several villages to win the confidence of the voters.

He has been targeting government officials in his speeches after being allegedly heckled and shown black flags by BJD workers in his constituency on the occasion of last Independence Day. He was also heckled during Ganesh Puja celebrations at a mandap in Berhampur’s Ankuli.

On Sunday, the former BJD MLA took out a massive road show at Rangipur under Rangeilunda block and called out government officials.

Speaking at the road show, Pradeep said, “I came to know that they are not working but only doing dirty politics. They are responsible officers and should act responsibly. They should be example for others. People with ego will not accept the truth. So, it is my request to these officers to let go their ego and accept the truth to solve the problems of common man.”

However, he went on to praise CM Naveen Patnaik which has left the Opposition in a state of dilemma.
On the other hand, Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, senior BJD leader is confident that Pradeep’s road shows would not have any impact.

Criticising Pradeep for the road shows, Ramesh said, “He was expelled for dirty politics on corruption charges. So, no matter, how many rallies he takes out, people know his true intentions and will not accept him any further.”

Apart from Gopalpur, rift was also seen in Digapahandi and Chhatrapur. Earlier, due to indifference between Chhatrapur MLA Subash Behera and former MLA Priyanshu Pradhan, the party lost Rambha and Chhatrapur NAC.

Similarly, Digapahandi MLA Surjya Narayana Patro has not been keeping well of late. So, his son Biplab Patro is leaving no stones unturned to win the trust of his father’s voters.

However, former block chairperson of Digapahandi, Bipin Pradhan, who is now zilla parishad member isn’t fully supportive of Biplab. In such a scenario, things are not going right for the ruling party.

“After Surjya’s health condition deteriorated, his son Biplab is trying to take his place. But, he has broken the leg of the party and left the party crippled. People here hate him and everyone knows that. Even the Supremo Naveen Patnaik knows that,” claimed Pradhan.

Amid the dissidence among BJD party leaders, BJP is taking advantage and slowly wooing voters in Ganjam. In the last panchayat and municipality election, the saffron party managed to grab six chairperson seats.

"It seems like the ruling party is not learning from its past mistakes. The party will pay a heavy price if this plague of infighting continues," said a local voter.