Bhubaneswar, Apr 14: A lack of togetherness, loosened trust in leadership, and criticism and counter-criticism seem to have become elements of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) nowadays.

Another example in substantiation is senior MLA Ranendra Pratap (Raja) Swain's letter sent to party president Naveen Patnaik amid the ongoing organizational elections of the BJD. Swain has urged the party supremo not to allow anybody to hijack the party, albeit many suggestions mentioned in the letter.

Swain, a former Minister and the seniormost MLA in the current Odisha Legislative Assembly, has remarked that the Waqf Bill controversy has put a question mark against the BJD's secular aspect.

He suggested to the party chief that reservations be kept intact in the party's organisational structure. He mentioned that the BJD would move forward with values of social justice, secularism, and regional equality.

The letter has added fuel to the ongoing debate over the BJD's mixed response to the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha. While four Members voted in favour, two abstained and one member voted against the Bill.

In response to Swain's letter, BJD Vice-President Debi Prasad Mishra said reservations are always applicable for the BJD organisation. BJD always gives due shares to SC, ST, SEBC, Women, Minorities, and Others.

On the hijack remark, Mishra, however, said, "He may have known about the hijack. He has lots of experience as a senior leader. He can explain it."

Mishra asked if anybody had been hijacked before.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has directly targeted Sulta Deo for her 'X' post.

"Despite the party supremo's stricture, Sulata Deo, a junior MP, has fueled the debate again by tweeting," said Samantaray.

Sulata Deo posted on social media in support of Sasmit Patra and targeted Muna Khan over the Waqf Bill.

Amidst ongoing heated exchanges, MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and senior leader Ashok Panda reacted to the rift in the party.

"The party is united and working as one team," said Ashok Panda.

"The final decision will be taken by party supremo Naveen Patnaik. There is no senior leader in the party. Everyone's opinion is completely personal," contended Jena.

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