With the scrutiny process of selection of party candidates already in progress for the April 10 and 17 elections in the State, the ruling Biju Janata Dal leadership seems to be in two minds for finalisation of tickets in the seats which are presently represented by loyalists of Pyarimohan Mohapatra, particularly those who were directly involved in the much-publicised coup attempt against Naveen Patnaik’s leadership on May 29, 2012.
Although almost two years have passed since the fateful development took place, it has remained fresh in the minds of the people who are equally anxious to know the fate of these aspirants during distribution of party tickets.
At least three Ministers of that time and two MlAs of the BJD were allegedly involved in masterminding the alleged coup bid against Patnaik. They are Sharada Prasad Nayak, Sanjib Sahu and Anjali Behera, all Ministers who were dropped shortly later, and MlAs Pravat Biswal and Bibhuti Balabantaray, who were placed under suspension from the party for their suspicious role in the coup attempt.
Although these leaders have now been expressing their loyalty towards Naveen Patnaik, there is a big question mark whether Patnaik will allot them party tickets this time.
According to observers, the BJD under Patnaik’s leadership after the expulsion of Pyarimohan Mohapatra has emerged stronger as is evident from the party’s resounding success in the recent elections to the urban local bodies.
But a section of the BJD think tank, especially those who have emerged stronger in the party after Mohapatra’s exit as Patnaik’s principal adviser, are now reportedly working in favour of most of the Mohapatra loyalists so that they are given party tickets again.
According to these new advisers of Patnaik, loyalty is no more an issue since the coup drama has been a two-year old story and since the pro-Mohapatra elements have sworn their loyalty to Patnaik as the sole authority of the party.
Another section of the party has, however, different views over the issue. According to them, the success of BJD has largely been dependent upon the image of Patnaik and, therefore, no one else in the party is indispensable.
Patnaik’s approach, particularly in not sparing those who took part in the coup bid, has been a major reason of popularity of the BJD Government led by him.
“When the party is riding high on its morale, there has been no need to accommodate these (controversial) leaders, and it is time to bring new faces in their places, which is need of the hour,” said a senior BJD leader on condition of anonymity. “Moreover, the BJD supporters are not inclined to see these faces again as BJD candidates,” he added.