BJD suspends MLAs Arvind Mohapatra, Sanatan Mahakud for anti-party activities

In a significant political development in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday suspended MLAs Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud with immediate effect.

Both leaders have been suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

"Shri Arvind Mohapatra, MLA and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, MLA, are hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for their involvement in anti-party activities," read a press release issued by BJD.

As per BJD sources, Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud was inclined towards the BJP, and he was openly expressing his resentment against the BJD. Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra was allegedly involved in anti-party activities in his constituency.

"BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik has access to all intelligence reports. Stern action will be taken against anyone found to be involved in anti-party activities. Whenever the party supremo takes a decision, it is based on careful deliberation and solid facts and evidence. This clearly indicates that the suspended leaders were indeed involved in anti-party activities," said BJD leader Dibya Shankar Mishra.

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"We came to know that the party was compelled to take action against both leaders after they were found to be involved in anti-party activities. We were informed that their actions were detrimental to the interests of the party, and the party could not remain silent under such circumstances. Consequently, disciplinary action was taken against them," said BJD leader Ganeswar Behera.

In response to the suspension order, Arvind Mohapatra stated that he is not involved in any anti-party activities and will provide further details once he receives the complete information.

"I came to know about the news through social media. I am not involved in any kind of anti-party activities. I have been continuously working for the party in my area. At this moment, I am not aware of the exact reason behind my suspension. Once I receive detailed information, I will be able to share my version more clearly. My father has his own identity as a senior leader in Odisha, and he is always busy in his work. It would be inappropriate to drag his name into this issue. I have not participated in any BJD gatherings recently as I was engaged in constituency-related work. To the best of my knowledge, I have never made any statement against the party or its leadership that could harm the party’s interests. I have no relation with Pandian (VK Pandian). BJD is our party, and Naveen Babu is our leader. There is no point in dragging Pandian into this issue," said Arvind Mohapatra.

"I came to know through television reports that I have been suspended from the party. As of now, I have not been informed about the reasons behind my suspension. I have not been involved in any anti-party activities in my constituency, district, or the state. I have never made any statement against the party or its leadership. Recently, I had said that the present Chief Minister should focus on actual development work rather than merely laying foundation stones and delivering speeches. At no point did I make any remark against former Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. I had also highlighted that despite Keonjhar district contributing significantly to the state’s revenue, adequate development work has not taken place, and the district has been neglected. If my suspension is based on these statements, I have nothing further to add. I will continue to stand with the people and work for their welfare," said Sanatan Mahakud.