ONI Bureau: The inevitable may just happen within days or a week, but stage is all set for action against Kendrapara MP Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda, who dared to challenge the system as well as the Private Secretary of the CM, who has strong grip over the party for long.
The day Jay Panda sounded the ‘war bugle’ in Buhalo during the overhead water tank inauguration, he probably knew what was coming. While the media, public and political class kept debating on his fate as well as that of Odisha politics, a group of BJD leaders led by Nischintakoili Block Chairperson had met CM Naveen Patnaik to seek action against him, saying Panda was not in touch with local representatives as well as residents.
And, that was just a beginning! According to reports, BJD President is searching for valid reasons to script Jay Panda’s exit from the party, as he fears he would get a martyr’s status if things are not handled properly. It’s true that Baijayant Panda enjoys the stature of a clean and decent politician and has been visiting his constituency regularly to be with the people through thick and thin.
But, just doing his duty with full dedication, never earned him the goodwill of much powerful 3rd Floor for mysterious reasons. He was targeted by his own party colleagues in Kendrapara and Cuttack, who always saw him as a threat. It was not the case earlier. But, things have drastically changed in the last couple of years.
As Baijayant Panda continues to wage a war against CM’s Private Secretary Pandian, he may not leave any stones unturned to ensure his exit from the party. Hectic activities are reported from Naveen Niwas as well as the Third Floor. In addition, several groups and organisations from Kendrapara are in constant touch with the ‘trusted lieutenants’ to stage protests and demonstrations.
It won’t be a surprise if those groups/organisations meet the BJD President over the next few days and demand strict action against Jay Panda, citing various reasons. However, it would be interesting to see whether Naveen is really inclined to see Jay Panda out of the party. Even today, Jay Panda bats for him, calling him ‘My Leader’.