ONI Bureau: Former Lok Sabha MP and BJD leader Hema Gamang, wife of former Odisha CM Giridhar Gamang, has taken a step foward to join the BJP, as she openly revolted against BJD President Naveen Patnaik and Private Secretary to CM, VK Pandian.
Accusing Pandian of ruling the roost within the party despite being a Bureaucrat, Hema Gamang lashed at the CM, saying he is just a puppet in the hands of Pandian. “The CM does not manage anything. It’s Pandian who manages even day to day affairs in the party,” Hema alleged. She even accused Pandian of accepting bribe.
While giving a call to her supporters to launch a movement against Naveen Government in Odisha, Hema also confirmed that she would meet Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan with all the problems.
“BJD does not treat anyone well. Whoever joins the party, feels suffocated. Sane voices are being suppressed in the party,” adds Hema Gamang while alleging large scale corruption at every level of the government and deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
Hema Gaman, wife of Giridhar Gamang, was elected to Lok Sabha in 1999 when her husband was the Chief Minister of Odisha. Hema contested assembly polls in 2009, but lost. She joined the BJD just ahead of 2014 polls, but again lost from Laxmipur assembly seat.
As his husband Giridhar Gamang and son Shishir Gamang have already joined the BJP long ago, Hema’s entry would ensure that the Gamangs remain with the saffron party only.
Meanwhile, Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, who was punished for raising voice against Pandian, has hit back, saying “now political leaders one after another are breaking silence and common people understand what’s going on”.