The political atmosphere in the State took an interesting turn with yet another political party, Biju Swabhiman Dal (BSD), taking birth on Monday just a day after 12 smaller regional outfits floated Odisha Jan Sammukhya to put up a strong challenge to the BJD in the 2014 elections.
The BSD had created a flutter in the political circles here for its alleged links with BJD dissident Pyarimohan Mohapatra. But the new outfit was launched a day after Mohapatra announced formation of Odisha Jan Morcha (OJM).
The BSD will field candidates in all the 147 Assembly constituencies in the coming election and contest Lok Sabha poll also.
Denying any links with the BJD dissidents, Paramananda Jotish, declared president of the new outfit, said the party comprises new leadership, including social workers and activists from different fields.
“The objective of the BSD is to fulfil the dreams of legendary Biju Patnaik and carry forward the Odia pride,” he said.
Alleging that Biju Patnaik’s ideology is not being reflected in any political party, including the ruling BJD, Jotish said if BSD candidates win in the Assembly and Parliament elections, they will donate 25 per cent of their allowances to set up a Biju Assistance Fund (BAF). “This fund will be for the poor and weaker section,” Jotish said.
The BSD also plans to form a Biju Sena comprising youths from across the State who will propagate the message of peace and progress among the people. Another front, the Biju Mazdoor Sangha will comprise senior persons for counselling the workers in rural as well as urban areas.
The names of vice-presidents, general secretaries and other State office-bearers were announced at the launch. The district- level office-bearers will be announced at Puri in January, 2013.