Dissidence continues to grow in BJD over ticket distribution

Bhadrak/Cuttack: As the elections are getting closer, resentment continues to grow among BJD leaders and workers over distribution of party tickets.

BJD's Bhadrak MP Arjun Sethi, who resigned from BJD after his son was denied ticket from the party, today lashed out at the ruling party. Later in the day, he joined BJP.

Sethi, in his letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that he was hurt and that the BJD has forgotten the ideologies and ethics of late Biju Patnaik.

Calling the decision by BJD a “great shock in old age,” Sethi said, “There have been many irregularities during the finalisation of candidates. My son was not selected which is why I am hurt,” Sethi said.

It is being speculated that Sethi might get a BJP ticket from Bhadrak Lok Sabha constituency.

Responding to Sethi’s induction into the BJP, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Sethi joining BJP will change the political equation in the State.”

Similarly, senior leader from Bhadrak, Jugal Kishore Patnaik, has also expressed resentment after he and his son were denied ticket by BJD.

Former Soro MLA, Surendra Parmanik also resigned from the BJD expressing his displeasure over ticket being offered to sitting MLA Parshuram Dhada.

Moreover, BJD vice-president Raghunath Mohanty is also reportedly unhappy as he is yet to get a party ticket.

“I am still a part of BJD. I have only resigned from the post of chairman of Odisha Lift Irrigation department for personal problems,” Mohanty said.

On the other hand, a group of BJD workers today opposed allotment of party ticket to Dhruba Charan Sahoo from Rajnagar Assembly constituency.

A member of Biju Yuva Janata Dal, Debasish Patra, said, “Rajnagar ticket should be reconsidered. Naveen babu should remove these goons immediately. If Dhruba Sahoo is not removed, we will protest candidature of Anubhav Mohanty from Kendrapara LS.”

Rajnagar BJD Assembly candidate Dhruba Sahoo said, “In a democratic set up, it is very common to have new competitors. I welcome them all.”

Moreover, opposing candidature of Sambit Routray from Paradip Assembly constituency, supporters of BJD ticket aspirant Santosh Patnaik also staged protest outside Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar today.