JAGATSINGHPUR: The internal bickering in the ruling BJD came to the fore on Sunday with dozens of elected representatives, led by Raghunathpur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Rajat Patra, urging Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to take action against Tirtol MLA Rajashree Mallick. They met Naveen, the party supremo, and accused Mallick of maintaining links with the Opposition Congress leaders, besides weakening the party’s base in Jagatsinghpur.
Sources said Jagatsinghpur district BJD president Bishnu Das has allegedly launched a campaign against Mallick accusing her of taking sides with the Congress instead of BJD workers in her constituency.
They alleged that Mallick has links with D-brothers and other anti-socials, including liquor mafia.
Refuting the allegation, Mallick said a group of party workers are trying to tarnish her image because of her differences with Das. However, Mallick has received support from Excise Minister Damodar Rout, arch rival of Das.