Odisha Assembly Polls: Is BJD Stung By Infighting In Nilgiri After Sukanta’s Return?

Balasore: Infighting in the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) seems to have gripped Nilgiri Assembly constituency in Balasore district ahead of the twin elections in Odisha. Locals claim that the Naveen Patnaik-led party appears to be witnessing a vertical split amid growing dissidence after Nilgiri MLA Sukanta Nayak joined the regional outfit after quitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently.

Senior BJD leader Santosh Khatua, who is a major contender for party ticket for Nilgiri Assembly seat in the upcoming elections, has openly opposed any move to extend support to Sukanta. He has made it clear that his supporters cannot join hands with Sukanta and his followers.

In a show of strength, a large number of supporters of Santosh took out a march in Nilgiri on Sunday evening. While the ruling BJD is yet to announce its candidate for Nilgiri, Santosh is stated to be a major aspirant for getting party nomination for the Assembly seat. Santosh, who contested the Assembly elections as a BJD nominee in 2019, was defeated by Sukanta. “There is no question of joining hands with him (Sukanta),” said Santosh, making it clear that he would not come under any pressure. The BJD leader said he would only abide by party supremo Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s instructions.

Resentment in Santosh camp has come to fore amid speculations that Sukanta may be fielded by the ruling BJD in Nilgiri after he joined the party. Supporters of Santosh have also warned that they would not back any move to field Sukanta.

It may be noted here that Sukanta, a two-time MLA, returned to the Conch fold with his supporters on March 31. He had won the Assembly polls as a BJD nominee in 2014. However, he switched over to BJP and got elected in 2019 from Nilgiri as a saffron party candidate.