Revolt in Sundergarh BJD over non-representation in Cabinet

Bhubaneswar: Hours after the new ministers were allotted various portfolios, BJD activists from Sundergarh revolted against the party and threatened mass resignation due to non-representation of their district in the fresh Cabinet reshuffle.

“Non-representation will weaken the party base as well as welfare activities in the district. We are extremely disappointed as no MLA from the western Odisha district found place in the Cabinet. So, we are planning to resign en masse from the party”, Lalatendu Parida, BJD’s Sundergarh district secretary (organisation) said.

Party veteran and former minister Mangala Kishan, who also belongs to Sundergarh district, echoed similar voice that non-representation would affect the development of the district. However, he vowed to persuade the defiant workers to continue with the party. “It is obvious that a district remains neglected if no leader from the area represents in the Cabinet. So, our workers have expressed anguish. I will discuss with them and approach them to refrain from resigning”, Kishan added.