Arvind Mohapatra’s suspension: Naveen Patnaik promises new leadership for Patkura

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik finally spoke on the suspension of Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra from the party, explaining the reason behind the action without directly naming him. Naveen said on Wednesday that he had trusted a leader and given him an opportunity to work and serve the people of his constituency.

Also Read: BJD and Arvind Mohapatra lock horns over suspension; party accuses Mohapatra of conspiracy

“I had given someone a chance with the hope that he would do some good works for the constituency. But subsequently I came to know that he had been spoiling the good works (previously) done by the party (BJD-led government) in Patkura segment and people of the constituency were being troubled,” Naveen Patnaik expressed.

Making his stand clear, the BJD president asserted that he would not tolerate any leader who causes distress to the public while remaining in the party. “Always, I used to remove anyone who harasses people while being in the party,” Naveen Patnaik stated.

Naveen also sought to reassure the people of Patkura, stating that a capable and people-friendly leader would be appointed for them in the near future. His remarks are being seen as a strong message on party discipline and accountability, underlining that public welfare remains the top priority for the Biju Janata Dal leadership.

According to the party leaders, Arvind Mohapatra allegedly betrayed the organisation soon after receiving the party ticket and subsequently began working against its interests.

The BJD earlier had alleged that Arvind, along with his father, Bijoy Mohapatra, was running Patkura as a “father-son party unit” and had conspired to defeat the party’s parliamentary candidate. The party also accused him of deliberately avoiding the use of the party symbol and the photograph of party president Naveen Patnaik at public programmes.

Reported By: Arun Kumar Sahu