Now the factionalism in Rourkela BJD has come to the fore after the Swabhiman Samabesh in Delhi.
Earlier, the difference between two veteran leaders of the party in Sundargarh, Mangala Kissan and erstwhile Pyari Mohapatra loyal Sarada Nayak was more or less known here. But after the May 29, 2012 coup and induction of Subrat Tarai in the Council of Ministers, the differences between Tarai and Nayak have grown more serious.
Now, the factionalism is not confined to verbal duels among their supporters, rather the leaders are in a spree to attack each other on several issues in the media. As per the sources, while returning in a special train from Delhi after the Swabhiman Samabesh, the rift started at the Bilaspur Station on June 13 evening over the shortage of food packets between groups of Nayak and Kissan and also between Nayak’s and Tarai’s.
Nayak was present in train but not Tarai and Kissan. Somehow, a brawl was controlled there but it was only for time being. When the train arrived at Rourkela Station on June 14 morning, it remained a war field. On attack by the supporters of Nayak, one Tarai loyal Sukant Rout got seriously injured and had to be hospitalised for four days. Though the FIRs were lodged in the GRP Rajgangpur and Rourkela, but police are simply sitting over the complaints.
But now the media statements of the two leaders have become a centre of talk in city. Immediately after the shocking incident, the BJD leaders calling a Press conference at Rajgangpur condemned the behaviour of Nayak and his followers, demanding disciplinary action against them. Kissan meeting the party supremo appraised everything and urged disciplinary action against the undisciplined forces.
Similarly, in a Press release, Raghunathpalli city president Sudhir Sundar Ray revealed that while the party leaders and supporters were returning from Delhi attending the rally, a few Pyari Mohapatra supporters who were travelling under the BJD mask made disturbances out of frustration. He also mentioned that this unhealthy attitude of certain youths has shocked the Raghunathpalli party workers. Immediately, the Rourkela BJD president and his supporters in a Press release have countered the statement of Ray very vehemently. He also alleged that a few youth leaders were busy in taking alcohol in AC coach. They said the statement of Ray may lead to division in party.
They also expressed their apprehension over the integrity of Ray towards party. Similarly, Mahila BJD president Minati Debta, Chhatra BJD president Bibhuti Puhan and many other youth leaders described the statement of Nayak as unacceptable.