Suspended BJD MLA Prashant Jagdev Coordinates Mishrana Parva At Party Office

Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev, who has been suspended from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in connection with assault of a BJP leader last year, was seen attending an event at the party’s State headquarters recently.

Jagdev attended a Mishrana Parva organised at the BJD State Headquarters for the formal induction of BJP leader and Chilika Block Chairman Jharana Barik into the regional party. 

Barik embraced the ‘conch party’ in the presence of party’s organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das, party’s chief whip Pramila Mallick and Khordha district president Bibhuti Balabantaray. 

Though Jagdev did not share the dais with the party leaders on the occasion, he reportedly coordinated the Mishrana Parva.   

Reacting to questions about his presence at the party event, Jagdev said, “I got elected on conch symbol (BJD). Though I am not holding any post in the party right now, I am still in the party. I am a soldier of the party and will continue to do my part.”

He said his suspension will cease to have any impact on the party. 

“I am still with the party, working for the party and attending its programmes. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik may revoke my suspension whenever he deems suitable and I will welcome the decision,” he added. 

Jagdev was accused of abusing and slapping BJP Balugaon Mandal chairman Niranjan Sethi in full public view on September 8 last year. Following reports of his alleged ‘hooliganism’, the legislator had been suspended by party president Naveen Patnaik.