Naveen woos Nabin to isolate Baijayant Panda

ONI Bureau: In a desperate bid to isolate Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda in the party and clip his wings further, BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik met former Dhenkanal MLA Nabin Nanda and former Rajya Sabha MP Baishanab Parida, who had raised their voice against CM’s Private Secretary K Pandian.

In the recent past, Nabin Nanda was seen organising meets for Baijayant Panda in Dhenkanal district, which may have given sleepless nights to the CM. Nabin Nanda had yesterday lashed out at the state of affairs in the party, saying the CM must act immediately to pacify the disgruntled leaders.

While Minister Surjya Narayan Patro sought to play down Nabin Nanda’s outburst, saying he was not involved in the party’s activities for long, the BJD supremo did not take any chances and met him to convince him so that he remains with the party and does not lend support to Jay Panda.

After meeting the CM, Nabin Nanda said he apprised the CM of all issues, including the broken promises and assurances. He also told the CM how he was ignored in Dhenkanal district by the office bearers.

“I am hopeful of getting the party ticket from my district, as assured by the CM. I told the CM I will contest the polls even as an Independent if I am ignored again. Let’s see what steps the CM takes to fix the lapses in Dhenkanal BJD,” he added.

Similarly, Naveen held discussion with Baishnab Parida over the setting up of new Language Commission and steps to be taken for the promotion of Odia language in the state.