Feud escalates between Deputy CM Pravati Parida and Sameer Das in Nimapada

The political feud between Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and senior BJP leader and former minister Sameer Ranjan Das has escalated in Nimapada constituency under Puri district, turning into an open confrontation despite warnings from the party’s district leadership.

The rift, which has been widening since the elections, has seen both leaders trading sharp allegations. Sameer, who had earlier quit the BJD to join the BJP and supported Pravati Parida, has now questioned her political credibility and performance. Pravati Parida has responded strongly, reviving past issues and criticising Sameer in harsh terms.

The conflict intensified over the issue of grievance redressal. Since the beginning of the New Year, Sameer has been holding public grievance hearings in Nimapada every Wednesday and Saturday. He has projected the initiative as part of efforts to strengthen the BJP organisation. However, Pravati Parida has objected to what she termed a 'parallel grievance mechanism', stating that the government already has an official system in place.

Addressing a public meeting in Nimapada, Pravati Parida accused Sameer of doing little for the constituency for 24 years and alleged that his current outreach was aimed at gaining sympathy through 'crocodile tears'.

"He (Sameer) has not done anything for the people. Don't believe his crocodile tears. Had they done proper work for the people in the last 24 years, I wouldn't have so many allegation papers in my hand," said Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.

Hitting back, Sameer stated that people were approaching him because their problems were not being addressed by the Deputy Chief Minister. Claiming that he played a key role in securing nearly 50,000 votes for the party’s victory, he asserted that his grievance hearings reflected growing public dissatisfaction.

"The current DCM is not listening to our people. Hence, I am listening the grievances of the people twice a week. I am conducting meetings to save the organisation of BJP," said Sameer Ranjan Das.

The stand-off has triggered a show of strength within the constituency, with parallel organisational activities underway. Sameer’s actions have drawn disciplinary attention, with the BJP issuing him two notices so far. Puri district BJP president Devendra Tarai has warned of strict action if he fails to fall in line. 

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"We have already warned him (Sameer) and issued two written notices for his indiscipline. If he fails to maintain discipline in his work, the state organisation will be forced to take appropriate action against him," said Puri district BJP president Devendra Tarai.

However, Sameer’s supporters have dismissed the warning.

"The allegations against him (Sameer) are ridiculous. Those who are public leaders, they will listen to the problems of the people and solve them. Those who have given statements against the move are not with the people," said Pradeepta Khatoi, a supporter of Sameer Ranjan Das.

With panchayat elections scheduled next year, Sameer has begun mobilising support to demonstrate his influence, while Pravati Parida has launched a counter-offensive after maintaining silence for months. The developments have added a new dimension to BJP politics in Nimapada, with attention now focused on how the state leadership will respond to the growing internal discord.