Bhubaneswar: A visit of several senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders recently to Guwahati has drawn the attention of observers and triggered intense speculation in political circles in Odisha.
Questions are now being raised over the reason and purpose behind the leaders of the regional party gathering outside the state. Observers are keen to know as to why these leaders had to assemble in the Assam capital.
While sources claimed that the leaders were in Guwahati for a social event, the coming together of several prominent and heavyweight politicians away from the sate barely seven months after the party’s poll debacle has raised eyebrows in Odisha.
Prominent and key BJD leaders who were spotted together in Guwahat included former Ministers Sanjay Das Burma, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Prabhat Tripathy and ex-MLA Sambit Routray. However, it is still not clear as to what transpired at the congregation.
Apart from BJD leaders, some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politicians including Prashant Jagadev and Bishnu Das were also sighted. Also present was veteran politician Bijoy Mohapatra. This unusual convergence of senior and junior figures from diverse political backgrounds has sparked speculation about the potential implications.
Seeking to downplay the importance of the gathering, Sanjay Das Burma said there is no such congregation for any particular purpose.
Claiming that the gathering is being given a different colour by the media, he said the BJD is now performing the duty entrusted by the people of Odisha.
The former Minister said it would be inappropriate to describe this meeting as a formal ‘merger’ or significant political alliance.”
Speaking in same vein, veteran BJD leader and former Minister Prasanna Acharya said, “We have a long political career and we have friends and supporters. If someone visits our place, it will be natural for us to offer tea. Such coming together does not mean formation of any alliance.”
