Odisha Elections: Resentment In Kendrapara BJD After Ganeswar Behera’s Entry Amid ‘Go Back Imported Leader’ Slogan

Kendrapada: Resentment seems to be brewing among leaders and workers of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Kendrapada after former Odisha Minister Ganeswar Behera quit Congress and joined the ruling party recently.

Strongly opposing Behera, the party workers and leaders said that BJD should give ticket to any leader from the area and must not give any opportunity to the ‘imported leader’ to contest the upcoming elections.

Senior leaders of Kendrapara district BJD or Ganeswar Behera were not immediately available for comment on the issue.

Following the entry of Behera, disgruntled BJD leaders and workers staged a demonstration against the former MLA. Carrying placards and banners, they raised slogans asking Behera to ‘go back.’

A large faction of party leaders is reportedly unhappy over the issue. Even before Behera joined the party, BJD workers owing allegiance to a senior leader were fuming over his possible crossover to claim the party ticket for the Kendrapada. They had even warned of revolt if the candidate from the other party was given a ticket.

Sources said there are several aspirants for BJD ticket in Kendrapada assembly segment. They said they have been working for the party over the years, but imported leaders should not be given a chance to contest the poll.