BJD Takes Action Against Two Legislators
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik suspended two of its MLAs on Thursday. The party took this step against Sanatan Mahakud and Arvind Mohapatra. It cited their involvement in anti-party activities as the reason for this disciplinary action.
Reasons Behind the Suspension
Sanatan Mahakud, the MLA from Champua in Keonjhar district, had publicly questioned the BJD's development work in his home region. He stated that Keonjhar did not see substantial progress despite the party's 24-year rule in Odisha. Mahakud also recently praised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who hails from the same district. He has been absent from BJD organizational activities for some time.
Arvind Mohapatra, a first-time MLA from Patkura in Kendrapada district, found himself suspended as well. The action followed political speculation after his father, senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra, met with expelled former Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim. This meeting fueled rumors about attempts to form a new regional political outfit in the state.
Reactions from the Suspended MLAs
Arvind Mohapatra expressed surprise at the suspension. He said he was unaware of any wrongdoing on his part. "I need to find out what anti-party activities I did. Those who took action against me should say so," he stated clearly.
Sanatan Mahakud also denied engaging in any anti-party activity. The two-time MLA, who has declared assets exceeding Rs 227 crore, was elected as an independent candidate in 2014 before joining the BJD.
Bijoy Mohapatra's Political Journey
Bijoy Mohapatra, once a key associate of Biju Patnaik, has emerged as a rallying point for several leaders in recent months. He served as a minister between 1990 and 1995. The BJD denied him a ticket in the party's first assembly election in 2000. After that, he floated the Odisha Gana Parishad and later joined the NCP and BJP. He is not currently associated with any political party.
Reacting to his son's suspension, Bijoy Mohapatra said he was surprised. "I don't know the reason. The party should spell out the specifics about the anti-party activities," he remarked.
Official Statement from the BJD
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty provided the party's official position. "The leadership acted after receiving internal feedback about indiscipline by the two legislators," he explained. The BJD, which is the principal opposition in the Odisha assembly, currently has 50 MLAs in the 147-member house.
The suspension of these two MLAs highlights internal tensions within the party. It also reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Odisha as various leaders position themselves ahead of future electoral battles.
