Interestingly, supporters of two different leaders of the BJD engaged in a scuffle during the party’s Jan Sampark Padayatra held here on Friday. According to reports, supporters of Sambalpur MlA Raseswari Panigrahi and Redhakhol MlA and Deputy Chief Whip of the Government Rohit Pujari had a heated exchange over the leading of the Padayatra. A major face-off between the rival groups took place. When supporters of Pujari wanted their leader to head the Padayatra, the other group protested. The face-off took place in front of Pujari. After police’s intervention, the situation came under control.
Sources said there is a competition going on in the district to lead the party to show strength before BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and the Friday’s incident was an example of the party infighting.