None in the BJD may dare to speak up against Naveen Patnaik for totally ignoring Sambalpur district in the formation of his new Ministry, but there is deep resentment among the party’s rank and file as well as among the public over the district being so badly treated.
“Even if the entire credit goes to Naveen Patnaik for the BJD’s success in the general election, the party workers have also certain amount of contribution in this. Hence, their sentiments and views should have been honoured,” a BJD leader said on the condition of anonymity.
For the first time in the history of the Sambalpur BJD, the ruling party got a landslide victory all across the district.
Three out of the total four Assembly seats and the MP seat went to the party this time. This had never happened before.
Further, the party’s prominent young leader Rohit Pujari and elite personality Dr Raseswari Panigrahi were elected. Besides, the Rengali seat also went in favour of the party. The party had to face defeat in Kuchinda for the wrong selection of candidate.
Previously, the BJD had a poor presence in the district with just one seat.
Hence, it was obvious for the people here to expect the district’s representation in the ministry. Even party workers had expected that both Pujari and Dr Panigrahi would be included in the Ministry.
Obviously for fear of earning Naveen Patnaik’s wrath, Rohit Pujari, who is also the district BJD president, or any other party leader prefers not to vent their sense of dissatisfaction over the raw deal given to the district.
On the other hand, Pujari said, “We respect the decision of the Chief Minister who has singlehandedly managed the entire show (of electoral victory). We will work for development of the State as well as of the district under the leadership of the CM.” But people here are not at all satisfied with such a comment as the district is really deprived of its due share.