Not invited to ‘Tall Man Biju Patnaik’ Event: Baijayant

ONI Bureau: Suspended BJD MP Baijayant Panda has expressed deep pain and anguish for not being invited to the mega launch event of a Book titled, “The Tall Man Biju Patnaik’ to be held at the Utkal Mandap this afternoon at 4:30 PM.

While former President Pranab Mukherjee, former PM HD Devegowda, BJP veteran LK Advani and CPM leader Sitaram Yechury would attend the function along with CM Naveen Patnaik, invitations have been sent to Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan & Jual Oram, Veteran Congress leader Narasingha Mishra and BJP leaders Bijoy Mohapatra and Dilip Ray who were once shown the doors by BJD President Naveen Patnaik.

“My family members have received special invitation for the event. They might attend it. However, I am not invited,” said Baijayant Panda after paying obeisance at Puri Jagannath Temple and then paying floral tributes at Biju Babu’s Samadhi at Swarga Dwar. Panda held silent prayers near the Samadhi (Memorial) for a few good minutes.

People from all over have been invited for today's book launch on Biju Babu, incl nat'l & political leaders from all parties. I'm deeply hurt at not being invited, although some relatives have received (individual) invites. This is no longer a surprise, but reeks of pettiness🙏🏻

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) January 27, 2018

“I am paying a price for speaking the bitter truth. Everyone suffered in the party in the last 3-4 years. But, nobody raised the voice. As I spoke out, I was penalised. But, I feel sad that “my leader” failed to understand the real conspiracy against me,” he added, saying Biju Babu would support him today had he been alive.

“I was just doing my duty. I was working for my people. But, some people kept threatening me and played the spoilsport. If my suspension is linked to Kunduli episode, it’s really bad,” he added.

When asked about next move, Baijayant Panda refused to say anything on this matter, saying he needs some peace now.