BJD Squabbling In Odisha: Ex-MLA Latika Pradhan Accuses MP Candidate Of Working With BJP As ‘Bibhisan’

Berhampur: Amid intense internal strife in Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over its poll debacle in Odisha, senior leader and former MLA Latika Pradhan has accused Ranjita Sahu, who contested from Aska Lok Sabha seat, of being responsible for party’s defeat in Ganjam.

Making serious allegations against BJD’s Aska Lok Sabha candidate, Pradhan accused Sahu of having acted as ‘Bibhisan’ during the last Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Ganjam district.

While Pradhan was the BJD candidate in Kabisuryanagar assembly constituency, Sahu contested from Aska Lok Sabha seat in the last elections.

Pradhan, who met BJD president Naveen Patnaik, alleged that Sahu played a major role in the defeat of the regional party in Ganjam by joining hands with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) the last elections. She alleged that Sahu worked against the party in Kabisuryanagar and other Assembly segments under Aska Lok Sabha constituency.

Claiming that Sahu continued to work for BJP, the former MLA said she has drawn the attention of the BJD supremo to all these and urged him to take appropriate action in this regard.

Stating that Aska Lok Sabha seat had never gone to any other party earlier, she claimed that Aska Parliamentary seat as sell as Assembly segments went to other parties this time because of Sahu.

Pradhan further claimed that there is proof of video recordings of the public meetings and statements of her supporters claiming to have voted for BJP and will continue clearly show that anti-party activities were done.

Reacting to the allegations, Ranjita Sahu said she has been sincerely working for strengthening the party in Ganjam. She said she will apprise the party president about the exact political situation in the district.