Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 16: The Bhubaneswar unit of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing turmoil, with multiple defections and criticism directed at Ananta Narayan Jena, MLA of Bhubaneswar Central, also known as Bunu.
The latest to leave the party is Bandita Pal, Corporator of Ward No. 37, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with her husband Arjun Behera, former General Secretary of BJD, and Prabhudatta Samal, former Vice President of BJD’s student wing. The trio joined the BJP in the presence of State President Manmohan Samal.
Bandita Pal accused Bunu of hindering development works in her ward, claiming that despite repeated complaints to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, V.K. Pandian, and Babi Das, no action was taken. She openly criticized Bunu after joining the BJP.
Amresh Jena, a rebel BJD Corporator, also expressed his dissatisfaction with Bunu, further fueling the unrest. The developments have led some to refer to the party as ‘Bunu Janata Dal’ in a critical tone.”
