KENDRAPARA: Discontent is brewing in BJD’s Patkura unit over the party’s decision to field Aravind Mohapatra from the Assembly seat.
A section of BJD leaders are unhappy as Aravind, son of former minister Bijay Mohapatra, bagged the ticket a few days after joining the party. There has been a flurry of activities in the BJD camp to oppose the 41-year-old’s candidature.
“We are determined to oppose Aravind’s candidature. A large number of BJD supporters have already suggested that the party should change the candidate as chances of Aravind winning are poor,” said a BJD leader of Patkura on the condition of anonymity.
Sources said Aravind’s nomination has led to discontent among loyal BJD leaders and workers who are feeling left out. “Aravind’s father Bijay is a long-time bete noire of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He has been criticising the BJD government over several issues for the last more than two decades. However, the party chose to field him in Patkura. We will soon urge the chief minister to reverse his decision for the benefit of BJD and people of Patkura,” said Rajendra Rout, another local BJD leader.
There are also reports of murmurs of discontent among those who were eyeing for the BJD ticket from Patkura including incumbent MLA Sabitri Agrawalla, her son Sanjay and daughter Madhumita. While the political career of Sabitri is at stake, other ticket aspirants Rabi Samal and former MLA Utkal Keshari Parida find themselves at a crossroads. Sources said some disgruntled BJD leaders are likely to join the BJP soon.
On the other hand, supporters of Bijay expressed their happiness over Aravind’s candidature. “There is enormous support for Bijay at the ground level. Bijay is a popular leader in Patkura as he carried out many development works during his tenure as a minister. Voters will definitely support his son in the upcoming polls,” said Banshidhar Rout of Patkura.