Pravat Biswal expelled from BJD, Rs 4,000cr allegation adds twist

Senior leader and former MLA Pravat Biswal was expelled from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following high drama at Naveen Niwas on Saturday. The dramatic turn of events reportedly unfolded soon after the party announced the candidature of Santrupt Misra as a Rajya Sabha candidate, triggering sharp opposition from Biswal.

Biswal openly questioned the basis on which Misra was selected as a candidate. He is said to have raised concerns before party supremo Naveen Patnaik, asking why leaders who had worked tirelessly and fought for the party over the years were overlooked in favour of others.

Verbal Exchange Between Patnaik & Biswal

The situation reportedly escalated into a heated verbal exchange between Biswal and Patnaik in the presence of other senior party members.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that Naveen Patnaik reacted strongly to Biswal’s objections, questioning his authority to challenge the party’s decisions. Shortly afterwards, the party announced disciplinary action, expelling Biswal from the BJD.

Also Read: BJD declares Santrupt Misra and Dr. Datteswar Hota as Rajya Sabha candidates

After leaving Naveen Niwas, Biswal addressed the media and launched a scathing attack. He alleged that dedicated leaders who had spent sleepless nights strengthening the party were denied tickets, while making a controversial reference to ‘Rs 4,000 crore being taken away’. His remarks have sparked intense political debate, with questions emerging over whom he was targeting with the allegation.

Rs 4000 Crore Twist

“The Rajya Sabha candidature should be given to those who have toiled hard for the party. But whoever has not done anything has been selected. We have worked so hard, but someone else is getting away with Rs 4000 crore while normal BJD workers are not even able to earn one square meal a day,” alleged Biswal. 

As of now, neither the BJD leadership nor Santrupt Misra has issued an official response to Biswal’s claims. The development has added fresh political tension within Odisha’s ruling party ahead of crucial electoral preparations.

Statement After Expulsion

After his expulsion from BJD, Pravat Biswal reacted strongly. Expressing his anger, he hinted at a possible BJD fund scam.

 “I have worked very hard for the BJD. The party opening an account in other states is not acceptable. If party accounts are opened outside the state without the party’s knowledge, it will not be tolerated. That is why I reacted,” said Pravat.

 He added that those who expelled him are not losing sleep over it, but he himself suffered sleepless nights, which is why he went to Naveen Niwas. He claimed that the Biju Janata Dal has Rs 188 crore in its accounts. He questioned how some people could become candidates merely by signing documents.

 “The time has come, the truth will come out,” he said. He further alleged that if there is Rs 800 crore, party workers like them also have a rightful share in it.