Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: In a dramatic political development, former Odisha Minister and senior tribal leader Lal Bihari Himirika has made explosive allegations against Ex-Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik following his exit from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Himirika, who once served as the Minister for Tribal Welfare in Patnaik’s cabinet, claimed that the CM harbours prejudice against tribal leaders and deliberately restricted their access to his residence, Naveen Niwas.

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ପୂର୍ବତନ ମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଲାଲ ବିହାରୀ ହିମିରିକାଙ୍କ ବିସ୍ଫୋରକ ବୟାନ
ଜଣେ ବଡ଼ ଆଦିବାସୀ ନେତାଙ୍କୁ କେମିତି ଅପମାନିତ କରୁଥିଲେ ନବୀନ ଖୋଲିଲେ ମୁହଁ
`ନବୀନ ନିବାସକୁ ଯିବା ପାଇଁ ଦେବାକୁ ପଡୁଥିଲା ଦରଖାସ୍ତ ଓ ମୋବାଇଲ ନମ୍ବର'@bjd_odisha @Naveen_Odisha pic.twitter.com/33jliExSi3
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Allegations of Disrespect and Discrimination

Speaking to media, Himirika, a three-time BJD MLA, revealed that he was denied entry into Naveen Niwas despite submitting a formal request and providing his mobile number. He alleged that security guards were instructed to block his entry and that he had to wait for hours outside the gate without being allowed inside. “This exposes the truth behind Naveen’s so-called affection for tribal communities,” Himirika stated, who recently quit the BJD.

Internal Discord in BJD Legislative Wing

Meanwhile, discontent brews within the BJD legislative party. MLA Arun Sahu expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s internal decision-making, stating that personal opinions were sacrificed for the interest of party’s leadership. He emphasized the need for both ruling and opposition members to engage in issue-based discussions in the Assembly. His remarks were countered by fellow BJD MLA Pradeep Dishari, signaling growing ideological rifts.

Also Read: Shreemayee Mishra Hits Back After BJD Suspension

Factional Tensions Ahead of BJD’s Padayatra Plans

The BJD’s upcoming padayatra campaign faces hurdles due to rising factionalism in key districts like Khordha, Balasore, Cuttack, Jajpur, Rayagada, and Koraput. Rivalries between local leaders—such as Pradeep Sahu vs. Rajendra Sahu in Khordha and Jyoti Panigrahi vs. Shashi Sahu in Balasore—have complicated the party’s outreach strategy. The leadership has called for urgent meetings to finalize padayatra plans amid growing unrest.

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