Jayanarayan to Pramila: “One whistle from Shah will seal fate of BJD’

By Susant Dalai

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 29 : BJP MLA Jayanarayan Mishra on Tuesday launched a sharp critique against the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday, asserting that “one whistle” from Union home minister Amit Shah could destabilise the ruling party’s influence in Odisha.

Mishra’s remarks came in response to BJD leader and Opposition chief whip Pramila Mallik’s confident claim that the BJD would achieve a “record-breaking win” and secure at least 140 seats if elections were held today.

Mishra, who represents Sambalpur in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, dismissed these claims, daring the BJD to show it could win even 40 seats in an immediate election.

Addressing reporters in Bhubaneswar, Mishra stated, “One whistle from Amit Shah is enough to dismantle the BJD. Rather than making lofty predictions, Pramila Mallik should focus on stabilizing her party, which is clearly on the verge of collapse.” He pointed to alleged internal divisions within the BJD, citing recent defections and conflicts within district-level cadres.

“Two of the BJD’s Rajya Sabha MPs have already joined BJP, and infighting among BJD members at the district level is on the rise,” he added, hinting that the BJD’s public support may be weaker than projected.

Responding to BJD’s recent accusations that the BJP-led central government was delaying the implementation of Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Odisha, Mishra defended the Centre, stating, “The BJD lacks understanding. Ayushman Bharat is a centrally sponsored scheme, and its implementation details are managed by the Centre, with minimal state involvement.”

The BJD has not yet officially responded to Mishra’s remarks. Senior leaders within the BJD have avoided commenting on the BJP’s rising influence in the state. However, Mallik’s confidence about the BJD’s prospects indicates that the party remains committed to its election preparations.

As political temperatures rise, Odisha is expected to witness a fierce contest between the BJD and BJP in the upcoming gram panchayat and urban elections. While the BJD aims to consolidate its majority, the BJP, driven by leaders like Mishra, seeks to gain ground by exploiting any fractures within the ruling party.