BJD Suspends 2 MLAs for ‘Anti-Party Activities,’ Echoes of Past Expulsions Resurface

A brief statement issued by the party stated: “Shri Arvind Mohapatra, MLA and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, MLA have been suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for their involvement in anti-party activities.”

No further details have been officially announced.

Party sources said Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud had openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the BJD and was allegedly showing inclination towards the BJP. Sources alleged that Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra was involved in activities that were detrimental to party interests in his constituency.

Defending the action, senior BJD leader Dibya Shankar Mishra said the party chief had acted based on reliable intelligence inputs. “BJD chief has access to detailed intelligence reports. Any decision taken by him is based on careful deliberation and solid evidence. Strict action will be taken against anyone found working against the party,” he said.

Echoing similar views, party leader Ganeswar Behera said that disciplinary action becomes inevitable if the leadership is convinced that the activities of the two MLAs are damaging to the organisation.

Reacting to his suspension, Arvind Mohapatra denied the allegations. “I have never engaged in anti-party activities. I will ask for an explanation from the party leadership regarding the accusations against me and I will respond accordingly,” he said.

Political observers note that this incident also brings back memories of 2000, when Arvind Mohapatra’s father Bijoy Mohapatra (then a leading political figure and founding member of the BJD) was similarly sidelined during the party’s formative years. At the time, Patnaik had asserted a tight grip on the fledgling organisation, signaling a leadership style characterized by strict discipline and intolerance of perceived indiscipline; This approach continues to define the inner workings of the party even today.