Signs of discord in Odisha from parallel BJD meeting

Jaipur: Parallel meetings of BJD members in Jaipur on Tuesday during Biju Jayanti brought to the fore internal differences within the party. That day, the two main contenders for the ticket – former minister Rabi Narayan Nanda and newcomer Subhash Raut – held meetings with their supporters in Jaynagar and Dussehra grounds respectively in a show of strength.

Since both these names are in the news as possible candidates for the Jaypore assembly constituency, party members seem divided on their support. While old BJD workers are supporting Nanda, young people and district level officials are supporting Raut.

Nanda lost the seat twice to veteran Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati in the 2019 and 2014 elections, raising fears that the party may field a new face this time.
That day, Raut also held a public rally which was attended by around 10,000 party workers and voters from Jeypore and Borigumma blocks. To support him, BJD secretary and former district BJD president Ishwar Panigrahi also shared the stage with Raut at the meeting.