Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 1: The Odisha BJP has rejected allegations from the BJD of a “political conspiracy” aimed at undermining the party’s position in the Rajya Sabha, following the unexpected resignation of Mamata Mahanta from the Upper House.
BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty addressed the media, stating that the BJD’s claims are unfounded. He suggested that the resignation of Mahanta, a former minister and MP, reflects a loss of confidence in Naveen Patnaik. “There is no truth to the allegations of conspiracy. Naveen Patnaik’s former ministers and MPs have lost faith in him after 26 years in power. They realize that he cannot effect change, which is why Mahanta resigned. She understood that remaining in the regional party would not enable her to make a difference for the state or her district,” Mohanty told ANI.
On Wednesday, the BJD was surprised when Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar announced Mamata Mahanta’s resignation from the Rajya Sabha, along with her departure from the BJD.
There has been speculation that Mahanta might join the BJP. In response, BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik alleged that Mahanta’s resignation is part of a larger scheme by a national party to place one of its leaders in the Rajya Sabha.
“She was appointed to the Upper House by the BJD to represent her community and work on their behalf. Her resignation is a betrayal of both the party and her community,” Mallik said, dismissing any internal rifts within the party in Mayurbhanj, Mahanta’s home district.
