Salepur: Amid speculation over Salepur MLA Prakash Behera quitting the Congress and joining the BJD, a poster of the leader alongside Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a PEETHA programme in his Assembly constituency has created a stir.
The poster was put up for the Peoples Empowerment Enabling Transparency and Accountability (PEETHA) programme at Champati in Salepur recently.
Behera has reportedly refuted such reports, saying that his supporters might have used his photo in the BJD poster.
In January, the MLA had, however, hinted at joining the regional party.
“The BJD is in a good position in Odisha since last 20 years and continues to do so till date. We too enjoy the support of the people. It is up to the high command to take a decision. If he wants, I will contest the election,” he told mediapersons.
The Salepur MLA, however, evaded a question on high command of which party he was referring to.
If Behera joins BJD, it would be a big jolt to the Congress in Cuttack district since he holds a sway in the region.
In June last year, he had resigned from the post of Cuttack District Congress Committee president, stating that he would like to devote more time for the people of his constituency.
Political circles in the district here have been abuzz with the speculation of him leaving the Congress since 2016 when Behera shared the dais with the Chief Minister and other BJD leaders at a meeting held at Salepur.
In his speech, he had showered praises on Naveen. “He is a successful leader and has emerged as the No.1 Chief Minister in the country,” he had said.
Political analysts were then of the view that Behera, who has already been closer to the BJD, might join it before 2019 general elections.
