Dama, Bishnu cross swords over Rajashree Mallick

Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD leader and Cooperation minister Damodar Rout (Dama) and Jagatsinghpur BJD president Bishnu Das have crossed swords over Tirtol MLA Rajashree Mallick. After Bishnu alleged that Rajashree had links with dreaded criminals Dhalasamant Brothers and with the Congress; Dama hit back saying Bishnu is agitated as he is unable to garner funds from the party through MLA Rajashree.

“There are agents of MLAs who take funds from the party under various welfare programs. However, such availability of funds has now been curtailed by Rajashree, which is why Bishnu is targeting her. Because of this fight between two party members, the image of the party is getting soiled. Bishu has to be aware of such acts,” said Dama.

According to sources, a closed-door meeting between MP Kulamani Samal and Dama at the latter’s house is an indication that support is being mobilized to corner Bishnu.

In retaliation, Bishnu said “If anyone has the courage and if Dama can prove any of the allegations against me, then I will retire from politics. He is just blabbering like a lunatic and his statements have no significance.”

The unseemly wrangle between two senior party members has drawn the attention of the party high command and action will be taken against the persons involved in such acts of indiscipline, sources said.

“If there are certain differences in opinion and dispute among the party leaders, we are trying to resolve it through discussions. Action will be taken against anyone found guilty,” said BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena.