The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday suspended two sitting MLAs — Arvind Mohapatra (Patkura, Kendrapara) and Sanatan Mahakud (Champua, Keonjhar) — with immediate effect, citing anti-party activities.
The order was issued directly by BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Senior BJD leaders defended the decision. Captain Dibyashankar Mishra stated that the suspensions were necessary because certain individuals were attempting to weaken the party. Ganeshwar Behera echoed this, saying the activities in question were clearly anti-party in nature. Both leaders suggested that the party president may have acted on specific intelligence inputs.
Arvind Mohapatra, son of veteran leader Bijoy Mohapatra, gave his first reaction shortly after the suspension became public. Speaking to the media, he expressed surprise and denial:
“I don’t know why I have been suspended. No one from the party has contacted me or informed me. I learnt about it only through social media. I have not done any anti-party work, nor anything that would cause difficulty to the party. I was only working for the people of my constituency. I have not attended any meetings or feasts. As for my father, he is a senior and independent leader — whatever he does is his own matter. I do not want to drag him into this controversy.” Mohapatra also denied making any remarks against the 5T initiative and insisted he has no differences with any leader in the BJD.
The suspensions come as the BJD seeks to consolidate its position as the principal Opposition following its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections.
BJD Spokesperson and Media Coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty stated that, under the dynamic leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) stands as one of India’s most successful regional parties, boasting over one crore dedicated members. It is essential for all party members to strictly adhere to the constitution and guidelines set forth. The party has consistently taken decisive action against any violators. Shri Naveen Patnaik does not tolerate corruption or betrayal.
Recently, Members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shri Arvind Mohapatra and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, were found to have breached these guidelines. After careful deliberation and following due process, both members have been suspended from the party with immediate effect. Party workers across Odisha have wholeheartedly welcomed Shri Naveen Patnaik’s decision, reaffirming their support for the Hon’ble President of the BJD.
