In a significant development in Odisha politics, Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra has publicly rejected the justification provided by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik for his suspension from the party. The controversy erupted a day after Patnaik defended the disciplinary action, alleging that Mohapatra worked against the interests of the people.
MLA's Strong Rebuttal to Party Chief's Allegations
Speaking from Bhubaneswar on Thursday, Mohapatra expressed his disagreement with the party chief's stand and vehemently denied all charges leveled against him. "Every day they are shifting the goalposts and coming up with new reasons for my suspension," the first-time MLA stated with evident frustration. "Earlier, the allegation was anti-party activity. Now the party chief says I worked against the people. I completely deny the charge. It is surprising and shocking."
Background of the Suspension
The political drama unfolded when Mohapatra was suspended from the BJD along with Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud on January 15. The initial grounds cited for this disciplinary action were alleged anti-party activities. However, the narrative took a new turn when Naveen Patnaik addressed party workers from Patkura on Wednesday, offering a different explanation for Mohapatra's removal from the party.
During his address to party cadre, the veteran politician explained his rationale behind the suspension, emphasizing his commitment to removing individuals who fail to serve the public interest. "I gave an opportunity to an individual to serve the people and work for the constituency," Patnaik stated. "When I realised that he was not working and was instead troubling the people of Patkura as well as the party, I removed such an individual."
Mohapatra's Resolute Stance
Despite the suspension and the serious allegations from his party's leadership, Mohapatra remains undeterred in his political commitments. The Patkura legislator asserted that he remains unperturbed by the party's action and reaffirmed his dedication to his constituents. "I will continue to work for the people of my constituency," he declared, signaling his intention to maintain his public service despite the organizational setback.
This public disagreement between a sitting MLA and the party president highlights internal tensions within the BJD, one of Odisha's dominant political forces. The conflicting narratives about the suspension's justification—from anti-party activities to working against public interest—have created uncertainty about the actual reasons behind the disciplinary measure.
The situation raises questions about party discipline, leadership authority, and the relationship between elected representatives and party machinery in regional politics. As both sides maintain their positions, the political fallout from this disagreement may have implications for the BJD's internal cohesion and public perception ahead of future electoral challenges.
