BJD suspends two MLAs for alleged anti-party activities

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday suspended two sitting MLAs — Arvind Mohapatra (Patkura, Kendrapara) and Sanatan Mahakud (Champua, Keonjhar) — with immediate effect, citing anti-party activities.

The order was issued directly by BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Senior BJD leaders defended the decision. Captain Dibyashankar Mishra stated that the suspensions were necessary because certain individuals were attempting to weaken the party. Ganeshwar Behera echoed this, saying the activities in question were clearly anti-party in nature. Both leaders suggested that the party president may have acted on specific intelligence inputs.

Arvind Mohapatra, son of veteran leader Bijoy Mohapatra, gave his first reaction shortly after the suspension became public. Speaking to the media, he expressed surprise and denial:

“I don’t know why I have been suspended. No one from the party has contacted me or informed me. I learnt about it only through social media. I have not done any anti-party work, nor anything that would cause difficulty to the party. I was only working for the people of my constituency. I have not attended any meetings or feasts. As for my father, he is a senior and independent leader — whatever he does is his own matter. I do not want to drag him into this controversy.” Mohapatra also denied making any remarks against the 5T initiative and insisted he has no differences with any leader in the BJD.

Speaking to the media, Sanatan Mahakud claimed he was unaware of the reasons for his suspension. “I don’t know why I have been suspended. I have not done any anti-party work,” he said. Referring to his recent remarks, he added, “On the 13th in a meeting, I did not take Naveen babu’s name or say anything against him. I only said that development in Keonjhar did not happen during BJD’s time. If they suspend me for this, I have nothing to say.” He further noted that he would have attended if called by the party before the action and that meeting the party president now would not be appropriate.

The suspensions come as the BJD seeks to consolidate its position as the principal Opposition following its defeat in the 2024 Assembly elections.