BJD Explains Suspension of Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) clarified the circumstances behind the suspension of Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra on Sunday. The party attributed this disciplinary action to multiple factors. These include his alleged role in a conspiracy that caused the defeat of the party's Kendrapada MP candidate Anshuman Mohanty in the 2024 elections.
Suspension Announcement and Initial Confusion
On Thursday, BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik suspended Mohapatra along with Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud. The suspension came due to alleged anti-party activities. While Mahakud's suspension was expected after his public criticism of Naveen's development record in Keonjhar, the reasons for Mohapatra's suspension remained unclear until now.
Detailed Allegations Against Mohapatra
Addressing media persons, BJD general secretary (youth affairs) Amaresh Patri made serious allegations. He claimed that after winning the Patkura seat on a BJD ticket, Mohapatra operated a "parallel unit" in the constituency. He did this in collusion with his father, Bijoy. This unit actively worked against the party's interests.
"They conspired to defeat the party's parliamentary candidate in Kendrapada," Patri told reporters. The opposition party further accused Mohapatra of deliberately avoiding the use of Naveen's photo and the BJD symbol in posters and public programmes. These actions represent direct defiance of party norms.
Additional charges against Mohapatra include removing BJD workers from panchayat-level positions. He replaced them with his own loyalists. Drawing parallels with his father, Patri recalled that Bijoy was once a founding member of the BJD and a close associate of former CM Biju Patnaik. Naveen expelled him in 2000 for similar anti-party activities.
Bijoy later floated the Odisha Gana Parishad and joined the NCP and BJP. He is currently unaffiliated with any political party. "Bijoy Mohapatra had backstabbed Biju babu. His son Arvind followed the same path by betraying BJD," Patri alleged.
Political Implications and Analyst Views
Political observers believe BJD's clarification carries deeper implications. They suggest the BJD is grappling with infighting and staring at a leadership crisis. The action may link to growing speculation about the possible formation of a new party through a split within the BJD.
An analyst said, "BJD is grappling with infighting and staring at a leadership crisis. The action may be linked to growing speculation about the possible formation of a new party through a split within BJD."
Mohapatra's Response to Allegations
Mohapatra dismissed the allegations against him as "baseless" and motivated. He stated, "I did not engage in any anti-party activities. The accusations against me and my father are unfounded. I will seek an appointment with the BJD president to understand the charges and present my side."
