Is ruling-BJD under siege by Pandian-Bobby collusion?

Bhubaneswar: It seems Bobby alias Pranab Prakash Das is now the most powerful person in the ruling party as well as the government after VK Pandian, the private secretary of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The newly formed ‘alliance’ between Pandian and Bobby was exposed on Thursday after former president of ruling BJD's Kendrapara minority cell, Salim Khan released an audio tape containing the telephonic conversation between him and Debasish Mallick, who once used to be the political coordinator of MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda.

From the recorded conversation, it seemed clear that be it Jay Panda or any other conspiracy, Bobby and Pandian are now calling the shots within the ruling-BJD.

Also Read: Audio tape exposes conspiracy against Jay Panda

It is being discussed now that Bobby is executing each and every plan made by Pandian. Hints of such nexus between the duo was first observed in an article ‘Anartha Ra Antarale’ written by senior BJD leader Damodar Rout after he was dropped from the Naveen cabinet for his controversial ‘Brahmin’ remark. After all these developments, one question is pertinent - was Bobby the so called ‘youth leader’ whom Rout had mentioned in his article responsible for his ouster from the cabinet?

“Many people are saying this and who is the minister, it is difficult to know. If such things are going on, then they will have to face consequences; and ultimately it will be the Chief Minister who will be held responsible,” Rout said.

Bobby continues to be in the limelight and is seen attending several key meetings even after losing his ministerial berth last year.

Amid presence of many senior leaders in party, is Bobby-Pandian alliance not creating a rift within the ruling party?

Isn't such collusion maligning BJD’s image and is party supremo Naveen Patnaik aware of it?

The audio tape on the conspiracy against MP Jay Panda has stirred a political storm and exposed many secrets of Odisha politics. Now only time will tell what impact it will have on the political landscape in coming days.

Meanwhile, BJD leaders have declined to comment on the matter. BJD vice president, Surya Narayan Patro didn't comment saying - I don't know.

Earlier yesterday, Bobby alias Pranab Prakash Das in his reaction to the audio clip expose had said, “We were expecting a big expose, but it turned out to be more like a 'News Fuse' item.”