In a significant move, the president of the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Naveen Patnaik, has suspended Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities. The suspension was announced after a meeting where senior party leader Ganeswar Behera stated that the actions of the two MLAs were against the party’s interests, leading to the decision. The party took action based on intelligence inputs received by Patnaik.
Mohapatra, representing the Patkura constituency, and Mahakud, representing the Champua constituency, have faced the repercussions of their alleged anti-party activities. Mohapatra, the son of former minister Bijoy Mohapatra, expressed surprise at his suspension, denying any involvement in activities against the party. He emphasized his dedication to party work in his constituency and expressed readiness to discuss the matter with Patnaik.
Mahakud, a senior BJD leader, had recently criticized the party for neglecting the Keonjhar district during its rule. With the suspension of these two MLAs, the BJD’s strength in the Odisha Assembly has decreased to 48 members, following the passing of another senior leader last year.
