The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on former party leader Debashish Samantaray following his switch to the BJP, accusing him of quitting the regional outfit for personal and business interests.
Dr Lenin Mohanty
The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on former party leader Debashish Samantaray following his switch to the BJP, accusing him of quitting the regional outfit for personal and business interests.
Addressing a press conference here today, BJD spokesperson and media coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty alleged that Samantaray joined the BJP after being “influenced by inducements” and described his move as politically opportunistic.
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Dr Mohanty said Samantaray had enjoyed several positions, privileges and political opportunities during the BJD government and had expanded his family business interests while remaining in the party.
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“He never hesitated to praise the BJD and Naveen Patnaik while enjoying power. Now, when the party is in the Opposition, he has suddenly started criticising it,” Mohanty said.
The BJD leader asserted that Samantaray’s political identity and public recognition were built entirely under the leadership of BJD president Naveen Patnaik.
Reacting to Samantaray’s statement that he had “returned home” after joining the BJP, Mohanty claimed the saffron party itself was facing internal conflicts in Odisha.
He alleged that there were visible differences between Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while also referring to controversies surrounding the NEET examination paper leak and alleged irregularities in CBSE examinations.
Highlighting Samantaray’s political journey, Dr Mohanty said he had contested elections five times on BJD tickets and was elected MLA on three occasions.
He further stated that even after electoral defeats, Naveen Patnaik continued to support him by appointing him as chairman of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and later sending him to the Rajya Sabha.
“Despite receiving everything from the party, his personal ambitions were never satisfied,” Mohanty alleged.
The BJD spokesperson also criticised Samantaray for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the party after joining the BJP.
“On one hand, he claims to respect Naveen Patnaik, while on the other, he attacks the BJD. Such remarks reflect political immaturity,” Mohanty said.
He further alleged that despite invoking the legacy of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik, Samantaray had earlier criticised Biju Babu as well.
Warning of public backlash, Mohanty said the people of Odisha would give a “fitting reply” to Samantaray’s political shift and his criticism of the BJD leadership.
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