Presidential election: Naveen's decision final say BJD leaders to resentful MPs

Bhubaneswar: The difference among BJD leaders over Presidential elections has become evident with various leaders expressing their disagreement over supporting the NDA candidate in various forums. Meanwhile, veteran party members continue to remind these leaders to talk to party Supremo Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about their opinion and not use public forums that affects the party. After Damaodar Rout, this advice has today come from Revenue and Disaster Minister Maheswar Mohanty and Rajya Sabha MP and party spokesperson Pratap Deb.

Some BJD MPs have recently expressed resentment through columns, articles and social media over the fast decision of the party to support Ram Nath Kovind, the NDA Presidential candidate. This infighting has raised speculations that BJD MPs might cross vote. However, Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, who had recently questioned the party decision to support Kovind, today said all party members will support Naveen’s decision in this matter.

Maheswar Mohanty has said the opinions coming against the decision of party Supremo are personal but it is not fair on the part of senior leaders to express their disagreement in public forums. “All this internal strife must end. Whoever has any issue should talk to the party chief,” said Mohanty.

Spokesperson Pratap Deb said, “Whatever the party Supremo decides is the final decision for the party. The same applies for Presidential elections. The opinions of those who differ and express it in public, are completely personal.”