Jharsuguda: With the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) welcoming leaders from rival camps to strengthen its base, voices of dissent within the party are rearing head. The news of Jharsuguda MLA and former Congress leader Naba Das joining BJD has visibly triggered resentment among local leader Kishore Mohanty and his supporters following which the party held closed-door meeting with the leader today.
A high-level delegation comprising senior BJD leaders Sanjay Das Burma and Pranab Prakash Das held a meeting in Jharsuguda today and reportedly tried to cajole Kishore Mohanty ahead of Naba Das’ joining during CM Naveen Patnaik’s visit to the district on January 24.
The meeting reportedly yielded result as Mohanty was quick to clarify that discussions were held on the preparations for CM's upcoming visit to Jharsuguda.
Responding to media query whether he would campaign for Naba Das, Mohanty stated that he works as per the instructions of CM Naveen Patnaik. “BJD workers are always disciplined and I will abide by whatever decision is taken by party chief Naveen Patnaik,” said Mohanty.
It is pertinent to mention here that Kishore Mohanty and Naba Das are arch rivals. Das had defeated Mohanty twice in Jharsuguda constituency in 2009 and 2014.
Commenting on the matter, BJD leader Sanjay Das Burma said “CM Naveen Patnaik will be inaugurating and laying foundation for 12 projects during his Jharsuguda visit and will take decision which will strengthen the party."
Naba Das resigned from Congress yesterday and in a letter to AICC president Rahul Gandhi the former had informed about his plans to join BJD.