Bhubaneswar: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Odisha with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to destabilise it through alleged covert political manoeuvres.
BJD spokesperson Lekhashree Samantasinghar addressing a presser here today, claimed that a plan to weaken the party has been in motion for the past three months as confirmed by Bijoy Mahapatra. She alleged that leaders such as Pravat Biswal, Rabindra Jena, and Souvik Biswal were given “tenders” by the BJP to execute the strategy. She further alleged the involvement of Pravat Tripathy and Bijoy Mohapatra in the purported plan.
Rejecting the allegations and counterattacks, Samantasinghar asserted that BJD remains deeply rooted among the people of Odisha and cannot be “broken.” “BJD is not anyone’s ancestral property; it belongs to the people of Odisha,” dismissing the claims as politically motivated.
The controversy escalated after remarks by Pravat Biswal, who alleged that key figures, including V. K. Pandian and Santrupta Mishra, had diverted a ₹4,000 crore trust fund linked to the party. Responding earlier, BJD president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik clarified that the fund in question was his personal fund and had been utilised for public welfare initiatives.
Reacting strongly, Samantsinghar criticised Pravat Biswal’s statements, questioning his intent and mental state. She alleged that he was attempting to mislead the public and interfere in the internal affairs of the party.
The BJD also claimed that Pravat Biswal was under “extreme pressure” and accused him of making irresponsible statements, including remarks suggesting that Naveen Patnaik was unaware of key matters.
