Odisha Political Buzz: BJD Suspends Two MLAs Amid New Party Speculation
Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik suspended two party MLAs on Thursday. This sudden move has ignited strong speculation about a new regional party forming in Odisha. The suspended legislators are Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud. Both face allegations of anti-party activities.
Suspensions Reduce BJD's Assembly Strength
The suspensions lower the BJD's Assembly strength to 48 members. This number marks the party's lowest tally since it first contested Odisha Assembly polls in the year 2000. The decision comes just months before elections for four Rajya Sabha seats from the state.
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty stated the party does not tolerate corrupt traitors. He said Mohapatra and Mahakud breached party guidelines. "Both the MLAs have been suspended following careful deliberation and due process," Mohanty explained.
Action Seen as Warning to Disgruntled Leaders
Party insiders view the suspension of Arvind Mohapatra as a calculated political move. They believe it aims to checkmate his father, veteran leader Bijoy Mohapatra. Bijoy, a former BJD co-founder, has been meeting leaders across party lines recently. These meetings fuel rumors he might launch a new political outfit.
"Action against Mahakud was expected," a senior BJD leader said. "Patnaik had publicly reprimanded him for skipping party programmes. But what happened to Arvind is beyond anybody's guess. He is a young MLA, new to politics, and has never acted against the party's interest. This is definitely a strategy to outsmart his father."
Against this backdrop, Patnaik's move appears to serve as a clear warning. It targets BJD leaders who may consider joining a potential new party. Many leaders have reportedly met Bijoy Mohapatra, both officially and unofficially. Patnaik has received inputs suggesting Bijoy is driving negotiations for a new party.
Bijoy Mohapatra Reacts with Astonishment
Bijoy Mohapatra expressed shock at his son's suspension. Speaking to reporters at his residence, he recalled how Naveen Patnaik himself inducted Arvind into the BJD ahead of the 2024 polls. "Naveen babu gave him a party ticket without even discussing it with me," Bijoy stated. "When my son was inducted, Naveen babu told him to thank me, which is known to everyone. He also lauded him for his performance in the Assembly. So, Naveen babu can better speak about the allegations of anti-party activities."
Bijoy admitted to meeting leaders from the BJD, BJP, and Congress. However, he maintained no discussions about a new party have taken place.
Political Context and Historical Tensions
The BJD suffered a major defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The BJP ousted the party after twenty years in power. Since then, dissent has grown within BJD ranks. This raises fears of cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
Currently, the BJP has enough MLAs to secure at least two Rajya Sabha seats. The BJD has the numbers for one seat. The fourth seat remains up for grabs. Both parties currently hold two seats each. Patnaik hopes to avoid a repeat of the 2002 cross-voting episode. Back then, at least fifteen BJD MLAs defied the party and voted for Independent candidate Dilip Ray.
Why Bijoy Mohapatra Remains a Key Figure
Bijoy Mohapatra served as a four-time MLA from Patkura between 1980 and 2000. He was a close confidant of Naveen Patnaik's father, former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. Bijoy held significant power in Biju's Janata Dal cabinet, handling key portfolios like irrigation and parliamentary affairs.
After Biju Patnaik's death in 1997, Bijoy played an instrumental role. He helped carve the BJD out of the Janata Dal and brought Naveen in to lead the new party. However, he later opposed many of Naveen's decisions. This conflict led to his expulsion from the BJD in 2000, just before the Assembly elections.
Bijoy's political journey includes forming the Odisha Gana Parishad in 2001. He later merged it with the Nationalist Congress Party, becoming its Odisha chief. He joined the BJP in 2009 but faced expulsion ahead of the 2024 polls for alleged anti-party activities, including campaigning for his son Arvind.
The suspension of the two MLAs now adds fresh tension to Odisha's political landscape. All eyes remain on Bijoy Mohapatra's next move and whether a new regional party will indeed emerge.
