Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: In a major political development in Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday suspended its General Secretary (Women Affairs) Shreemayee Mishra from the party citing “anti-party activities” with immediate effect.

Party’s Official Statement

According to a brief statement issued by BJD vice president Pratap Jena, Shreemayee Mishra along with Subas Chandra Sai and Prabir Chandra Sai were “suspended from the party for their involvement in antiparty activities with immediate effect.”

 Allegations of Indiscipline

According to sources within the BJD, Mishra was found to be engaging in activities that went against the party’s principles and discipline. While the exact nature of the allegations remains undisclosed, insiders suggest that her recent statements on social and internal communications raised concerns about loyalty and alignment with party leadership.

In her latest post, Mishra wrote about society’s perception of monks, stating that true renunciation involves detachment from worldly pleasures. She added that when this principle is violated, such individuals are labeled as “fake monks.” Though she did not name anyone, political observers believe the post was aimed at VK Pandian, who had announced his retirement from politics following the BJD’s debacle in the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Odisha.

Also Read: BJD Turmoil Deepens Over Shreemayee Mishra’s ‘Fake Monk’ Post Targeting VK Pandian

The suspension comes amid growing scrutiny within the BJD over internal dissent and factionalism in last few weeks.

What’s Next for Shreemayee Mishra?
Mishra, who hails from Balangir district, was once close to the BJD's top leadership. She pitched herself hard for a Lok Sabha ticket from the Bhubaneswar seat in the 2024 elections, but it was denied at the last moment, following which she started distancing herself from Sankha Bhavan and Naveen Niwas.

Shreemayee Mishra, a prominent face in the party’s women’s wing, has yet to issue a formal response. However, political pundits observe that her future in Odisha politics remains uncertain, with speculation rife about possible shifts to  a national party.