‘Blood politics’: Shreemayee Mishra targets ex-Mahanga MLA Pratap Jena, fires salvo at BJD over Jay Dholakia

Suspended BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra on Sunday trained her guns at former party colleague and ex-Mahanga MLA from BJD, Pratap Jena, during a public event.

Sharply criticising what she described as “blood politics” and opportunistic manoeuvres in local politics, Mishra made the remarks at the Ganakavi Vaishnav Pani Jayanti celebrations in Mahanga block of Cuttack district, where she also paid tribute to poets and authors, honouring the region’s cultural legacy.

Shreemayee Mishra Criticises Pratap Jena

Mishra stated that those who fail to respect the sons of the soil, poets, and writers will not gain the trust of the people, a jab indirectly aimed at Pratap Jena, who lost the 2024 elections to an independent candidate, Sarada Prasad Pradhan, who was also present at the event.

Along similar lines, Mishra also condemned the use of religious devotion as a facade for political gain. “Those who chant ‘Jay Jagannath’ only to show devotion without true respect are like mud, falling short of dignity,” she said during the event.

“People are the best judges of statements that disrespect poets, authors, and sons of the soil. A few days ago, they erected stages and praised Jay Dholakia. Now, they question his lineage. The lesson is clear,” Shreemayee said.

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BJD Targeted Over Jay Dholakia

Shreemaye Mishra also took note of the recent “blood politics” after Pratap Jena’s statements on Jay Dholakia, son of the late four-time MLA from BJD, Rajendra Dholakia, joining the BJP a month ahead of the crucial Nuapada bypolls. Jena had described the move as one that would be condemned by even the late MLA.

Reacting to this, Mishra said that it was “despicable” to engage in political activity shortly after the death of former MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whose family is still coping with grief.

“A couple of months have passed since Rajendra Dholakia’s death. To claim that his son is not his blood at such a sensitive time for the family is utterly inappropriate,” Shreemayee said.

No comments could be obtained from Pratap Jena or BJD over Mishra's statements.