Tensions flared in Odisha politics as supporters of suspended Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra staged a protest outside the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) state headquarters, Shankha Bhavan.
Hundreds of supporters arrived from Patkura by bus, raised slogans against the suspension order, and demanded his reinstatement.
Last week, BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik suspended Mohapatra on charges of anti-party activities. Party leaders alleged that Mohapatra and his father, Bijay Mohapatra, were running a parallel unit in Patkura and had conspired to defeat Kendrapara MP candidate Anshuman Mohanty during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Additional allegations included misuse of party symbols, sidelining grassroots workers, and corruption.
Mohapatra rejected the charges, calling them baseless and politically motivated. He challenged Naveen Patnaik to an open debate and claimed that a conspiracy lay behind his suspension.
Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar police tightened security around Naveen Niwas, the residence of the BJD supremo, after intelligence inputs suggested that Mohapatra’s supporters might march towards the premises. Extra personnel, including home guards, were deployed to maintain order.
The suspension has triggered fresh unrest within the BJD, raising questions about internal discipline and leadership control. While police have not issued an official statement, they confirmed that security has been intensified to monitor the situation closely.
This development has added a new layer of tension to Odisha’s political landscape, with dissent inside the ruling party becoming increasingly visible.
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