Bijoy Mohapatra sees ‘plot’ behind Arvind’s suspension from BJD

MLA seeks explanation from Naveen Patnaik over corruption, anti-party allegations

By Sushant Dalai
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 16: Senior Odisha politician Bijoy Mohapatra on Friday alleged that his son Arvind Mohapatra’s suspension from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was the result of a “conspiracy,” raising questions over both the timing and the basis of the disciplinary action taken by the party.

Reacting to the decision, Mohapatra said the charge of “betrayal” levelled against Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra was unclear and unsupported by facts. He maintained that such accusations could not be sustained without evidence and asserted that it was ultimately the electorate that would decide who had betrayed whom. His remarks hinted at internal forces within the ruling party working at cross purposes.

Rejecting any link between the action against his son and his own political history, Bijoy Mohapatra said he had committed no offence that could warrant such a move. “If the father has not done anything wrong, on what grounds is the son being penalised?” he asked, questioning the rationale behind the suspension.

Addressing the party’s claims of corruption and disloyalty, Mohapatra said he was unaware of any incident involving his son that could justify such serious charges. “If there are facts, they should be made public. Even the people of Odisha have no idea what these allegations are,” he said. He also pointed out that intelligence inputs, if any, were meant for the Chief Minister’s office and not for public or political consumption.

He expressed surprise over learning about the suspension while attending a public event, adding that intelligence reports could not be selectively shared. “Such inputs cannot reach the Opposition. If anyone is citing them, there must be clarity,” he said.

Arvind Mohapatra, meanwhile, has sought a formal clarification from party president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the allegations against him. “We are now in the Opposition. Corruption charges are usually directed at those in power. To my knowledge, I have neither indulged in corruption nor acted against the party. I expect a clear response from the leadership,” he said.

Earlier this week, Naveen Patnaik suspended Arvind Mohapatra and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud from the BJD for six years on charges of anti-party activities, a move that has sparked political ripples and renewed discussion on dissent and discipline within the regional party.