Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has broken his silence on the recent suspension of Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra, addressing party workers and the public without directly naming the leader.
In his remarks, Patnaik emphasized that the decision stemmed from complaints about harassment faced by locals in the constituency.
He stated: “I trusted someone and gave him a chance to do some good works.” “I gave him a chance to do good work for your constituency.” “But I came to know that the people of Patakura are being harassed.”
Patnaik firmly assured the people of Patkura that the party would not tolerate such actions, adding: “I will remove anyone who harasses you while staying in the party”. He reassured constituents that a suitable and effective leader would soon be provided to serve them better.
The suspension of Arvind Mohapatra was announced earlier this month on January 15, citing “anti-party activities.”
Reports from BJD sources pointed to allegations including working against the party’s Kendrapada MP candidate in the 2024 elections, running a parallel unit in the constituency, avoiding party symbols and Patnaik’s images in programmes.
