The ruling BJD on Wednesday escaped a vertical split as the “dissidents” led by party Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra shelved their plan to stage a “possible coup” for the time being.
Sources said the dissidents, who on Tuesday had gathered at two separate places — at the Sahid Nagar residence of Pyarimohan Mohapatra and in star hotel to finalise the split process — desisted from their bid as they failed to garner the required number. The BJD has 104 legislators in the 147-member state Assembly.
Sources said of the 33 MLAs and three ministers who on Tuesday evening pledged support to Mr Mohapatra changed their allegiance to the party president and chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Some of the Pyari-loyalits MLAs showed off at Naveen Niwas, the chief minister’s residence this morning, to escape disciplinary action.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, meanwhile, cut-short his nine-day trip to foreign countries and is returning to Bhubaneswar to handle the crisis.
In another development, Mr Mohapatra, while addressing a press conference here, said he had not plan to split the party. He, however, admitted that the party chief had come under the “evil” influence of the some conspirators.
“The party chief has come under the evil influence of the some conspirators who want to finish the party. I just wanted to tell these conspirators they cannot kill the party for their vested interests,” he said.
Denying any threat perception from his side to the chief minister, Mr Mohapatra clarified that the Tuesday meeting of legislators at his residence should not be construed as a revolt against the party leadership.
“I don’t have any plan to dislodge Naveen Patnaik. The legislators do come to my residence regularly for consultation. Yesterday, they came to discuss some issues. Many of the complained about neglect them by bureaucrats and not getting adequate attention in the party forum,” he said.
To a query if wanted to be chief minister, Mr Mohapatra said, “I do not have any ambition to become the CM at this moment. Had any ambition to become CM, I would have been so in 2009 when the party came to power for the third term in 2009. Of the 104 MLAs, more than 90 per cent were given tickets by me and they are still with me,” he claimed.
Asked what would be his reaction if Mr Patnaik takes disciplinary action against him and his loyalists, Mr Mohapatra retorted, “It’s like you are asking me if I would be using umbrella if it rains.”
To another question, he replied, “If the BJD legislators meet and decide to change the leadership, I cannot say anything on that. But such a possibility is far ahead.”
BJD vice president Dr Damodar Rout Mr Mohapatra was trying to destabilise the ruling BJD by holding an “unwarranted” meeting.
Over 40 MLAs have gathered at Naveen Niwas waiting for the chief minister’s arrival from London.