Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: Commenting on the op-ed article BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahatab published in a newspaper, another party MP Kalikesh Singhdeo today said that in a democracy every leader has the right to voice opinion and the observations made in the article is Mahatab’s personal opinion.
“In a political party the members have the right to give their free and frank opinion. That is something personal. The party’s official stance on a particular matter is something which can only be given by the party spokespersons or the party chief Naveen Patnaik,” said Kalikesh Singhdeo.
Echoing similar views, Barabati Cuttack MLA Debashish Samantray said that the comments are Bhartruhari’s own and the party is doing fine. Every member of the party has been asked not to make any anti-party comments and this instance has also come to the knowledge of the party chief and he is the best person to take action.
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“I think it was his personal opinion and it has nothing to do with or affect the party. The CM has already stated that the members should think before making such statements or else seek suggestions from him before proceeding. The matter has come to the knowledge of the CM and the decision on whatever action to be taken rests with him,” said Debashish Samantray.