‘One Whistle Can Smash BJD’ As It Faces Infighting Across Odisha: BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra

Bhubaneswar: Mounting a stinging attack on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for its remarks on the political scenario in Odisha, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and MLA Jayanarayan Mishra on Tuesday claimed that one whistle is enough to break the regional outfit.

Mishra, a former Minister, was responding to queries from reporters on claims made by BJD leader and Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik that the conch party can win 140 of the 147 Assembly seats if elections are held now.

Ridiculing Mallik for her claims, the veteran BJP leader challenged the Naveen Patnaik-led party to win in 40 seats.

Asking the BJD leaders to focus on saving the regional party from disintegrating, the former Minister claimed that the regional party can be easily smashed into smithereens. “Just one whistle of Amit Shah is enough to break BJD, which is already on the verge of collapse,” he claimed.

Noting that two Rajya Sabha MPs of BJD have joined BJP, the senior legislator claimed the regional party is witnessing intense infighting across the state starting from the district level.

Regarding BJD’s allegation over delay in implementation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Odisha, Mishra said the regional party should know that the scheme is sponsored by the Centre which works out the modalities. “The state’s involvement is minimal in this process,” he said.

It may be noted that Pramila Mallik had earlier attacked the Odisha government over the health insurance scheme. She had also claimed that BJD would secure a ‘record-breaking win’ if elections are held now while emphasising on the party’s popularity and performance.