BJD MP Baijayant Panda hints at ‘conspiracy’ in party to oust leaders

By Our Correspondent

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 4: A day after Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik hinted about re-induction of estranged party members into the ruling party fold, – party’s senior leader and Kendrapara Lok Sabha member Baijayant Panda on Thursday welcomed the CM’s decision.

“It’s good that he (Naveen Patnaik) has decided to look into the matter on a “case-to-case” basis.

“I welcome his (Naveen’s) decision. Because, in the past some efficient leaders had left the party due to conspiracy. It will be good for the party if they are again brought back to the organization. Theire presence would further embolden the party’s rank and file,” Mr Panda said.

“Since Naveen has said that the matter will be analysed on a case-to-case basis, I feel that is the right approach,” he noted.

The parliamentarian however expressed his concern that currently some of the party leaders were conspiring to oust a few potential leaders.

“Currently, conspiracy is being hatched to oust some leaders from the party, which should not happen,” Mr Panda stated.

BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb said if Mr Panda is aware of any conspiracy, he should bring it to the notice of the party chief.

“If he (Mr Panda) has any such information about conspiracy or anything else, he must talk to the party chief,” Mr Deb noted.

On Wednesday, CM Mr Patnaik had said he would consider to bring back estranged BJD leaders into the party fold on “case-to-case basis.”