Paradip: Even as the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are fast approaching in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) seems to be facing acute factionalism in politically sensitive Paradip in coastal Jagatsinghpur district.
BJD’s Paradip MLA Sambit Routray appears to be facing internal factions, new rival aspirants as well as rising influence of BJP in the constituency.
The ruling party also seems to be worried over Sambit’s strained relationship with people at the grassroots level, and issues related to implementation of government sponsored projects in the area.
A recent incident reported from the Assembly segment indicated that Sambit is facing a threat from his own party leaders.
As per information, a meeting was organised recently in the area where local leaders strongly opposed the ruling party MLA by expressing resentment over his activities.
Highly critical of Sambit’s style of functioning, a local BJD leader said that the people of the area had voted for the party candidate for development. However, they are highly disappointed over the MLA’s performance in the last five years as he has not done anything for the development of the region, he claimed.
The legislator not only neglected party workers but also failed to perform sincerely, claimed another local leader.
Sources said an event was organised in the Kujang area under the leadership of Sambit on February 27. Sambit’s father Damodar Rout, a former Minister and seven-time MLA, was also present at the meeting.
BJD’s Paradip Observer Santosh Bez categorically stated at the meeting that stern action would be taken against any form of indiscipline in the party.
As per reports, a close-door meeting was two days later by some local leaders at Kujang where critical remarks were reportedly made about Sambit. While according welcome to BJD’s Rajya Sabha member Debasish Samantaray, some leaders spoke against Sambit and criticised his way of functioning.
Some local BJD leaders even went to the extent of categorically threatening that there will be opposition if party ticket is given to the sitting MLA for the coming elections.
However, Sambit has strongly denied any resentment among BJD leaders and workers in Paradip.
“Everybody was contacted before the meeting and they are not participating in party affairs owing to business engagement. I have never neglected anyone,” said Routray.
The development in Paradip seemed to have come close on the heels of a controversy in the BJD over its candidate in Satyabadi Assembly constituency in Puri district. A row erupted after a video of former BJD MLA Sanjay Das Burma holding a secret meeting at Dhauli with some local leaders went viral on social media.
In the video, Das Burma can be heard saying to have got the green signal to contest the upcoming elections from Satyabadi after leaving Brahmagiri Assembly constituency.
In the meeting, Das Burma can be further heard saying that sitting MLA from Satyabadi Uma Samantaray will be contesting from Brahmagiri.
