Bhubaneswar: Who is the Vibhishana in Biju Janata Dal (BJD)? Who is trying to disintegrate the regional party in Odisha? BJD corporator Amaresh Jena’s explosive statement in Bhubaneswar has further thickened speculations of a rift within the Naveen Patnaik-led party. It was earlier speculated that several BJD corporators in Bhubaneswar are likely to switch to another political party. Amaresh had earlier accused former Minister Ashok Panda and Bhubaneswar Central MLA Anant Narayan Jena of creating a division among BJD corporators. After attending a meeting at the residence of senior BJD leader and former Minister Pratap Keshari Deb, he has claimed that there is a Vibhishana in the regional party. His statement has now added further heat to the political atmosphere in the state capital.
What Did Amaresh Say?
Amaresh attended the meeting held at the residence of Pratap Deb. Apart from BJD Bhubaneswar district president Sushant Rout, BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das and Pramila Mallik, several corporators were also present at the meeting. After the meeting, Amaresh claimed that some people are trying to create a split among BJD corporators, but the party remains united. The party president has been informed about this and a fitting reply has been given to the Vibhishana in the regional outfit. Amaresh said a strong warning has been issued and stringent action will be taken.
Why Fear of Defection?
Amaresh had on Tuesday expressed apprehension about possible defection by some BJD corporators and alleged that Ashok Panda and Anant Jena were trying to disintegrate the party to boost their supremacy. He claimed that since party corporators have failed to maintain proper coordination among them, BJP may take advantage of the situation. He also claimed to have heard about some BJD corporators being in touch with BJP. Some corporators were stated to have met BJP MLA Babu Singh. Photos of the meeting added further fuel to the speculations of fissure in BJD.
Unity Among BJD Corporators
While Amaresh has claimed about the presence of a Vibhishana in BJD, party corporators held a joint press meet and announced that they are united. As many as 24 BJD corporators met at a hotel in Bhubaneswar and made it clear that there is no rift among them. Declaring Naveen Patnaik as their unchallenged leader, they said they are all united.
Old Story In BJD
In the run up to the recent elections, serious conflicts in the regional party had come to the fore. A serious confrontation was witnessed between Anant Jena and Amaresh Jena in Bhubaneswar Central Assembly constituency. Similar tussle was seen between Ashok Panda and Biranchi Narayan Mahasupakar in Ekamra segment over ticket allocation. Finally, Ashok Panda and Anant Jena bagged BJD tickets and contested the Assembly polls. However, BJD lost in Ekamra and Anant scraped through with a wafer-thin victory margin in Bhubaneswar Central primarily because of rebellion in the party. Lok Sabha seat was also retained by BJP.
While BJD seems to be encountering a major crisis after its poll debacle, observers wonder as to why party meetings are being held outside Naveen Niwas and Sankha Bhawan. V K Pandian happened to be a major force in the regional party till the declaration of election results. Though Naveen is the BJD president, Pandian was taking decisions for the party and organisation. However, after he withdrew from active politics, BJD appears to be facing severe internal tussle. Observers wonder as to who is being referred to as Vibhishana by Amaresh.
