Bhubaneswar : In a significant political development, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) faced a major organisational setback in Bhadrak district as former MP Manjulata Mandal and former MLA Muktikanta Mandal, along with more than 500 leaders and workers, resigned from the party on Sunday.
The resignations include several prominent figures such as former district president Jagannath Sahu, BJD’s Simulia MLA candidate Subasini Sahoo, party leader Shashi Kumar Sahoo, and a number of sarpanches and samiti members, indicating a deep crack in the party’s district unit.
The development comes days after BJD president Naveen Patnaik suspended Manjulata Mandal and Muktikanta Mandal on April 6 over alleged anti-party activities.
Party sources said the mass exit has considerably weakened the BJD’s organisational base in Bhadrak. Meanwhile, speculation is rife that the dissident leaders may soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with reports suggesting a possible induction at the state party office in the coming days. However, no formal announcement has been made so far.
Speaking on the issue, Muktikanta Mandal expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s treatment of its workers. “From sarpanches to MLAs, we sacrificed our blood, sweat and tears for the party. However, instead of being rewarded, we were punished due to the conspiracy of some people. We have not taken a decision yet; soon we will decide our next course of action,” he said.
Manjulata Mandal confirmed that several leaders, including Subasini Sahoo and Shashi Sahoo, resigned on the day and said future decisions would be taken collectively. “Our next course of action will be decided by our people,” she added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shashi Kumar Sahoo claimed that the party’s base in North Odisha has eroded significantly. “We resigned today. Many leaders have already left, and more are likely to follow. Soon, several sarpanches will also resign. The BJD has been wiped out from North Odisha,” he alleged.
The large-scale resignations, according to political analysts, are expected to have political ramifications in the region ahead of upcoming local body elections.
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