AAP hopeful of reaping benefits from BJD infighting in Ganjam

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which does not have any MLA in Odisha Assembly is hopeful of reaping benefits from the in-fighting in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Ganjam.

The AAP organised a district working committee meeting in Berhampur on Wednesday where the party leaders targeted the State government over unemployment and migration issue.

Slamming the ruling BJD, the State Coordinator of AAP, Nishikant Mohapatra said, “This district has serious unemployment issues. Highest number of migrant workers are from Ganjam. AAP will emerge as the appropriate alternative in Odisha politics and the beginning of the change will be from this district.”

The district of Ganjam, the home turf of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is currently on a boil after Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi was expelled from the party over charges of anti-party activities.

On one hand, Panigrahi is busy showing his strength by conducting rallies in his constituency, on the other hand, BJD leaders in the district are spitting venom against him at political functions.

While Panigrahi targeted bureaucrats for unnecessarily meddling in politics, he did not mince words to praise CM Naveen Patnaik. “I came to know that they are not working but only doing dirty politics. They are responsible officers and should act responsibly. They should be example for others. People with ego will not accept the truth. So, it is my request to these officers to let go of their ego and accept the truth to solve the problems of the common man,” said Panigrahi in a public rally.

Ganjam BJD President, Ramesh Chyayu Pattnaik said, “When the district was reeling under COVID, Panigrahi was enjoying his holidays. He was nowhere to be seen when his constituency needed him the most, forcing CM Naveen Patnaik to appoint former IAS officer and his current Political Advisor, Gopabandhu Das as the observer of Gopalpur constituency.”

It may be noted when all the leaders including Prafulla Mallick spoke freely on Das’ appointment in Gopalpur constituency as BJD’s observer, Das himself kept mum did not utter a word to questions by the reporters.

At this juncture, when both BJP and Congress are claiming to storm the Ganjam district in next election, AAP’s emergence promises to spice up the fight for sure. Pertinent to mention here that AAP candidate had secured second position in the recently concluded BeMC Mayor elections.