Former BJD MLA Prabhat Biswal slams defeated party leaders, backs Pandian couple at foundation day event

Senior leader Prabhat Biswal launched a scathing attack from the open stage, strongly criticising party leaders who lost the elections while showering praise on the Pandian couple during Biju Janata Dal (BJD) foundation day celebration in Cuttack on Friday .

Taking names such as Bobby, Devi, Atanu, Pratap and Sanjay, Biswal openly targeted them and advised defeated BJD leaders to focus on their respective constituencies instead of interfering in unnecessary party affairs. He urged them not to create confusion within the party and to concentrate on strengthening their own political bases.

Referring to the alleged 'May 29 conspiracy,' Biswal said the issue is still burning and has not died down. He asserted that after Pyarimohan Mohapatra and VK Pandian have made significant contributions to the party, claiming that the BJD was able to form the government in 2019 largely due to Pandian’s efforts.

Biswal said Pandian gave up a prestigious IAS career to serve the people and warned that he would oppose any injustice done to him. He also highlighted the contribution of Sujata Karthikeyan, stating that she deserves to be sent to the Rajya Sabha, and cautioned defeated leaders not to eye that seat.

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"As a worker, I request those leaders, who have been defeated, to focus on their respective constituencies instead of interfering in unnecessary party affairs. I have informed about this matter to them personally not once but many times. Be confined to your constituencies," said Prabhat Biswal.

"They should have been withdrawn after Nuapada by-election. Around 50 MLAs of BJD have won. If they will be given responsibilities, the party will run smoothly. Why others are interfering. I just informed them about the matter on the party's foundation day. VK Pandian and his team had a great contribution in the party's win in 2019. The party was defeated in 2024 due to the anti- incumbency factor. Both (Pandian couple) have worked for BJD and party should reward both of them," he added.