After Dilip Ray’s adieu to the BJP, the talks about his next political move have taken the centre stage in the steel city.
It is said that due to Ray’s exit, the BJP may have to suffer a great loss, especially in Rourkela. The political pundits opine that given the prominent role played by Ray for the BJP organization in
Sundargarh district, the party may not hope for a rosy picture in 2019 election in the whole of the district.
But on other hand, the delay and confusion over Ray’s next political move have left many of his followers who are in the list of aspirants to contest 2019 election with the blessing of Ray from Rourkela seat, apprehensive. It may be noted here that on November 30, Ray after resigning from the BJP and the position MLA, left for abroad without clearing his future stand point but the other leader Bijay Mohpatra who also left the party with Ray told that their further course of action will be cleared in 15 days after Ray comes back. Even in a facebook posting Mohapatra had clearly told that after Ray’s return from abroad the next step will be taken by both of them jointly.
Though Ray had not told openly about his next action but it was a common perception that he will be joining the BJD soon. Even many started to talk that Ray would be joining on December 26 at the BJD Foundation Day.
With none of the predictions having come true so far concerning the two heavyweights’ political future, now it is speculated that both Ray and Mohapatra may be planning for an alternative, instead of joining the BJD. Even a group is of the opinion that Ray may join the Congress instead of the BJD. Though this message gives certain reliefs to the anti-Ray camp in the BJD in Rourkela, but to some extent it is disheartening for those who are expecting party ticket of BJD with the support of Ray.