Senior BJD leaders’ visit to Arun Sahoo's residence sparks speculation

The visit of some senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders from Balasore to the residence of MLA Arun Sahoo has triggered political speculation across Odisha.

As per reports, former minister Jyoti Panigrahi and former MLAs Sukanta Nayak and Swarup Das were seen visiting Arun Sahoo’s house, leading to widespread discussion in political circles.

However, the leaders clarified that they had gone to Arun Sahoo’s residence only to invite him to the North Odisha Utsav. They said there was no other agenda behind the visit.

Notably, these leaders had also participated in a gathering of former MLAs a day earlier. Speaking on the matter, the former legislators said that the previous day’s programme was merely a get-together and that no political discussion or deliberation took place.

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Notably, more than 50 former MLAs had organised a party on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Sunday, which was seen as a show of strength. The event has since become a major topic of discussion in political circles.

"It is not a power show rather a show of friendship. We were all the family members of BJD. A message of friendship has been given that the family members of BJD are still intact. They were all united in a single call. The opposite parties don't want BJD leaders to be united. We proved that the BJD family members are intact. We are not falling prey to the conspiracy of rival parties," said Swarup Das.

"They had visited to invite me as a guest in North Odisha Utsav. The power show is a speculation by the media. With the passage of time, we need to progress by strengthening the organisation. We are doing politics in one party under the leadership of one leader and one symbol. I request all of you not to take it otherwise," said Arun Sahoo.