Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday suspended Arabind Jena, corporator of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) for alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
An office order signed by BJD general secretary Bijaya Nayak said that Jena has been placed under suspension with immediate effect for his involvement in anti-party activities.
The action against Jena, corporator from ward number 53 in the millennium city, has been taken following an order by BJD president Naveen Patnaik.
The suspension of Jena comes at a time when opposition BJD has reportedly been facing signs of internal dissent. Observers pointed out that several party corporators had earlier openly opposed an incident involving the burning of effigies of Pravat Biswal and his son Souvic Biswal, MLA from Choudwar-Cuttack.
Sources said the controversy was sparked by an event held under the banner of the BJD in March when effigies of the two leaders were reportedly set ablaze. The act has drawn strong objections from within the party, with some Cuttack corporators expressing dissatisfaction over the development.
According to reports, corporators from the Choudwar-Cuttack region had come together in protest against the incident, indicating growing unrest at the grassroots level. Sources suggest that the unity among these elected representatives reflects deeper dissatisfaction within BJD ranks.
