Rourkela: The Steel City is gearing up for the three major pujas, due in a month’s time. The puja committees are being formed and at the same time donation collection has also started. Keeping all these in mind the administration called for a preparatory meeting inviting members of the committees and office bearers of Central Puja Committee September 12.
However, little did then the administration or anyone had realised that this would expose the internal differences of ruling BJD here with two factions of the party having heated exchanges at the meeting.
All hell broke loose when ADM Subhankar Mohapatra proposed instead of holding an election for the CPC office bearers, the old body to continue.
One faction, with allegiance to Minister for Labour and ESI Sarada Nayak and another faction close to Kuna Das, the Chairman State Youth Welfare Board almost fought with each other.
Two of Das’ supporters nearly had a heated argument with the ADM and Chairman CPC. However, when the ADM stood his ground over his decision, the two surrendered meekly. Finally, those opposing the ADM’s suggestion lost it by a margin of 38-32.
Speaking about this a Sarada supporter said, “The voting showed them the mirror and where they stand. So, they kept quiet and left immediately after the division of the house.” The fact remains is the current CPC body has also members from other political parties. No one wanted an election so all kept quiet and supported the ADM’s motion from the beginning. This is being regarded as a small but significant victory for Sarada Nayak.
The whole issue between Kuna and Sarada is all about the prestigious Rourkela seat. Now Kuna is trying to stake his claim over it because of his old association with the place. His father was working in RSP and he started his career in politics being a supporter of Dilip Ray. But, today this is being regarded as his bane.
“How can Kuna Das think of contesting from Rourkela in Sarada’s place? Where was he all these years? He left the city in search of greener pastures in Bhubaneswar and now he thinks he will reap the benefit. This was one small lesson for him and more surprises wait for him,” said another Sarada supporter.
BJD politics in the coming days is going to be more interesting. Sources close to Kuna say, “It is for nothing he is eyeing for the Rourkela seat. Just wait and watch things will be more in favour of him.”
Meanwhile, another Sarada detractor said, “We knew there would be no election because the minister is opposed to it. This was a blatant misuse of power.” When asked about the result and their position he said, “had there been an election a real one then the situation would have been different.”
Anyway on Sarada’s turf, where Kuna is searching for an opening, the first round of direct confrontation went to the minister. “So, let us wait and watch things will be interesting in BJD politics and media persons will have many things to write and report,” said an independent observer.
Rajesh Mohanty, OP