Argus News - BJD MLAs Sanatan Mahakud, Arvind Mohapatra Suspended For ‘Anti-Party Activities’

Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday suspended two of its MLAs, Arvind Mohapatra and Sanatan Mahakud, citing “anti-party activities.”

“Shri Arvind Mohapatra, MLA and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, MLA are hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for their involvement in antiparty activities,” reads a release issued by BJD president Naveen Patnaik.

The decision comes days after Mahakud’s sharp criticism of the previous BJD government and his public praise for Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Also Read: Growing Dissent In BJD As MLA Sanatan Mahakud Voices Discontent

Mahakud, a strongman from Champua in Keonjhar district, accused the previous BJD government of failing to deliver meaningful development in the region despite being in power for 24 years. His remarks, which lauded CM Majhi as a leader of “vision and integrity,” have stirred political circles, particularly given that both leaders hail from Keonjhar.

Meanwhile, Mohapatra, son of former minister and veteran leader Bijoy Mohapatra, who represents the Patkura constituency in Kendrapara district, denied any involvement in anti-party activities.

 

“I just came to know about the news regarding my suspension from social media. I don’t have any knowledge as to why I have been suspended from the party. I am not involved in any anti-party activities and engaged in party works in my constituency,” said Mohapatra.

 

Mohapatra also claimed that he has no relationship with any groups within the party or made any statement that could hurt the party’s image. He said he would meet party supremo Patnaik regarding the development and would then speak to the media.

The suspension of Mohapatra and Mahakud highlights the BJD’s growing challenges in retaining cohesion after its 2024 general elections setback.