The infighting in the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) came out in the open on Tuesday again when the party’s dissident Kendrapada MP Baijayant Panda was attacked by his intraparty opponents with brickbats, shoes and eggs at a function at Mahanga (in Cuttack district) in his constituency.
Panda’s supporters launched a counter-attack on the slogan-shouting protesters, who alleged that the local party representatives were not invited to the function marking inauguration of a drinking water tank project.
Police had a tough time to disengage the warring groups from the clash.
The anti-Panda protesters were supporters of Mahanga MlA and Health and law Minister Pratap Jena. They had on Monday vandalised the plaque containing Panda’s name.
BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb told reporters that the attack on Panda was a condemnable act. The matter would be brought to the notice of BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who would take appropriate action for its, Deb said.
Commenting on the incident, BJP leader and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told reporters that this was reflection of “arrogance” on the part of some BJD leaders which is against democratic norms. People “would not tolerate” such highhanded act of ruling party leaders, he said, adding that everyone knows what happened to Duryodhan of the Mahabharata for his arrogance.
The Cuttack Rural police have decided not to take suo moto cognizance of the attack on Panda.
“Since we have not received any complaint till 6 pm today, we have not registered any case in this connection,” said Cuttack Rural SP Madhav Chandra Sahu.
