Rift surfaces in Khurda unit of BJD after party workers clash

Bhubaneswar: Rift in the Khurda district unit of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) came to the fore today after two groups of the party clashed with each other in full public view over local MLA’s intervention in an issue.

According to sources, on Tuesday, two rival groups of the district unit of the party had decided to take out rallies from the same spot. However anticipating an untoward situation, the administration clamped prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPc from Sarua to Begunia thereby barring any kind of mass public movement in the area.

Earlier in the day as members of one of the groups gathered near Kushapala for the rally, local BJD MLA Prasant Jagadev rushed to the spot to look into the reason behind the conflict between the groups.

After being informed about the MLA’s intervention, the other group also arrived at the spot flaring up tension. Members of both the groups exchanged heated words and later a minor scuffle also broke out, informed sources.

One of the groups also burned the effigy of the MLA, added sources. Meanwhile, the administration is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any eventuality, said sources.