Rayagada: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today faced a fresh warning of rebellion within the party in Gunupur of Rayagada district after leader Hema Gamang called for a revolt against party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accusing him of allowing his private secretary VK Pandian to call the shots.
"He (Naveen Patnaik) does not understand anything. Whatever comes to him, he simply passes on to his private secretary VK Pandian who only works for people who pay him. BJD is adopting 'use & throw' policy. Whoever joins this party, he will be simply used and thrown out," said Gamang who unsuccessfully contested from Lakshmipur Assembly segment on a BJD ticket in 2014.
Calling upon her supporters to launch a mass movement against the Naveen Patnaik-led government, the former MP said the Chief Minister himself is responsible for such misgovernance."Had he been prompt, a bureaucrat like Pandian, who came from Tamil Nadu, would not have been reigning supreme in the State. We all have to come together to dethrone such a government," she exhorted.
Hitting out further at the regional party she joined four years ago after quitting from Congress, the wife of former CM Giridhar Gamang said "BJD government has been exploiting people. Lawlessness is everywhere. They (BJD men) all have joined hands to spread a reign of terror. The best example is the murder of innocent people in Rayagada. I can't express that how much I hate such a party."
"What justice Itishree and Kunduli victim got? What has been done to ensure justice for Bhagirathi Mandangi? she questioned.
The woman leader said that she along with her supporters will soon meet Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with their issues.
Meanwhile, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda reacting to Gamang's statements tweeted "Political leaders started raising voices one after another. Common people are also beginning to understand."
BJD MP N Bhaskar Rao said "Pandian is CM's private secretary and there is no harm if the CM delegates him some work. I want to ask Hema what her husband who was the former CM would have done".