ONI Bureau: The Odisha BJP has downplayed the resignation of MLA Dilip Ray and senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra, saying it would have no impact on the party. The party also accused them of working towards fulfilling their personal interest.
BJP Spokesperson Golak Mohapatra lashed out at Bijoy and Dilip saying they were never present in the party, hence resignation won’t have any impact. “Both had been staying away from the party affairs for long. BJP is a huge party & no one has ever been ignored there. The allegations are baseless. The 2nd Brahmani Bridge and IGH are mere excuses”, he said.
BJP Vice President Samir Mohanty came down heavily on Bijoy Mohapatra and Dilip Ray. “Bijoy Mohapatra was trying to float another group in our party. He has a track record of doing that. Old habit never dies. It’s in his DNA. When he failed, he became uncomfortable. Dilip Ray wanted to put pressure on CBI to get respite in the coal block allocation case. When his request was not heard, he was disgruntled. Both leaders left the party for their own interest,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, Senior Odisha Minister Surjya Narayan Patro welcomed the decision of Dilip Ray and Bijoy Mohapatra, saying they are free to join any party of their choice. “If they want to join the BJD, party President (Naveen Patnaik) will take a call”, he added.
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra criticised BJP saying it neglected two good leaders. He termed the decision taken by Bijoy and Dilip as appropriate and said it’s good to see that both of them admitted that it was a big mistake on their part to join the BJP.
Senior BJD leader Pratap Jena too welcomed the development, saying “From their resignation, it’s clear that BJP Government at the Centre is a Jumla Sarkar”.
According to unconfirmed reports, Dilip Ray may meet CM Naveen Patnaik’s elder sister Gita Mehta in New Delhi today before heading for South Africa.
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Rourkela MLA Dilip Ray quits BJP; resigns from Assembly
After Dilip Ray, Senior Leader Bijoy Mohapatra too quits BJP