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Bhubaneswar: The hurdles for the return of Jatni MLA Bibhuti Balbantray and Choudwar MLA Prabhat Biswal into the BJD have finally been removed. BJD president Naveen Patnaik Monday revoked the suspension of Balbantray and Biswal from the BJD. Both MLAs were suspended for their alleged involvement in the midnight operation to dislodge Naveen from power on May 29, 2012.
The “revolt” was led by Rajya Sabha member Pyari Mohan Mohapatra, who was suspended and subsequently expelled from the party. There were allegations that both Balbantray and Biswal were co-conspirators in the secret move to unseat Naveen from power. But both had vehemently denied their involvement in the May 29 political upheaval.
Soon after the suspensions were lifted, both Balbantray and Biswal thanked the BJD supremo and expressed unwavering loyalty to the man who has led the party since its inception. With today’s move, it seems Naveen has been able to open a new chapter vis-à-vis some of the estranged colleagues in the party. It’s also perhaps an indicator that Naveen wants to reward erstwhile Pyari-loyalists who have distanced themselves from the Odisha Jana Morcha.
By lifting the suspensions three days ahead of the Budget session, Naveen also perhaps wants to project a united face of the BJD in the House. Naveen also perhaps wants to convey a clear message that he has relegated the Pyari factor to the backburner and exorcised the demons of May 29.
