Bhubaneswar: Infighting in Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appears to be heating up the political atmosphere in Odisha, particularly in state capital Bhubaneswar. Groupism and infighting which had surfaced in the regional party before the simultaneous twin elections still persists even after its poll debacle. What started from an intense lobby for election tickets, subsequently led to fight among corporators of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). While internal rift came to the fore following controversial statements by leaders, the dispute in the party even reached the police recently. While around 30 BJD corporators of BMC went to Puri for darshan at Loknath Temple on Monday, four leaders were issued show cause notice by the party over indiscipline.
Show Cause After Quarrel
The Naveen Patnaik-led party has initiated a significant step. BJD’s Bhubaneswr district unit president Sushant Rout has issued show cause notice to four leaders, including corporators Amaresh Jena and Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar. Youth leader Rakesh Patra and students’ leader Bibek Swain have also been issued notice. They have been asked to explain within 15 days as to why disciplinary action should be taken against them for indulging in indiscipline inside the party.
‘Never Created Fissures In BJD’
After being issued show cause notice, corporator Amaresh Jena has claimed that he never tried to create fissures in the party and said that everyone is aware of what happened in Bhubaneswar. Stating that BJD has gathered strength with the cooperation of all, he said strategic moves by Naveen Patnaik always prove effective in the party. Similarly, Biranchi also claimed that he never indulged in any act of indiscipline or anti-party activities. He said other leaders who committed mistake should also be issued show cause notice.
Puri Visit Of Corporators
Amid political heat in Bhubaneswar over quarrel among corporators, around 30 BJD corporators have undertaken a bus journey to the pilgrim town of Puri. It is stated that the corporators opposing Amaresh and Biranchi have gone to Puri for darshan at Loknath Temple. Though it is claimed that they are visiting Loknath Temple to pray for the wellbeing of Naveen Patnaik, the real reason is said to be different. The main objective is stated to be bringing together all corporators against Amaresh and Biranchi.
Fire Of Resentment
Resentment among BJD leaders in Bhubaneswar has been brewing before the twin elections. There was a bitter faceoff between Ananta Narayan Jena and Amaresh Jena to bag party ticket for Bhubaneswar Central Assembly seat. Similarly, Bhubaneswar Ekamra seat witnessed stiff competition between Ashok Chandra Panda and Biranchi Mahasupakar. Finally, Ananta Jena and Ashok Panda fought the Assembly elections with BJD ticket, but the party had to face the consequences of revolt. Ekamra seat slipped out of its hand, while Ananta Jena managed to win with a thin margin. Since then, infighting in BJD has assumed serious proportions. Amaresh once alleged that Ashok Panda and Ananta Jena have been trying to divide party corporators in order to increase their influence. Subsequently, around 24 BJD corporators had gathered in a hotel. Chaotic scenes were also witnessed during a party meeting in Sankha Bhawan recently with Amaresh and Biranchi indirectly targeting Ashok Panda. Biranchi’s supporters later lodged a complaint with the police against Ashok Pana and Rakesh Patra. Amid growing internal rift, it may turn out to be a major challenge for BJD to keep the flocks together.