Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Thursday suspended two party MLAs—Arvind Mohapatra from Patkura and Sanatan Mahakud from Champua—for attending BJP-led programmes without prior permission from the party.
The decision was taken at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar and is being seen as a strong signal to enforce organisational discipline in the aftermath of the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, in which the BJP dislodged the BJD from power in Odisha after more than two decades.
According to party sources, the leadership viewed the participation of the two legislators in BJP events as a serious breach of party discipline, especially at a time when speculation is rife about possible attempts to poach opposition leaders. Senior BJD leaders said there was “clear evidence” of conduct inconsistent with party loyalty, prompting swift action.
While Arvind Mohapatra expressed surprise over the grounds cited for his suspension, maintaining that he had not acted with any intent to undermine the party, the BJD leadership remained firm that the move was necessary to send an unambiguous message to the cadre.
The suspension means that both Mohapatra and Mahakud will no longer enjoy party privileges or represent the BJD in any official capacity. However, they will continue to hold their Assembly seats and function as independent MLAs unless they formally join another party or face disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Political observers see the development as part of Naveen Patnaik’s broader effort to regroup and reassert control over the party, as the BJD seeks to rebuild its organisational strength and prevent further erosion of its ranks following the change in government.
-OdishaAge
