Biju Janta Dal on Wednesday suspended its MP, Jay Panda, from the primary membership of the party for anti-party activities, said several media reports. Panda was also accused of ‘Monopolistic Utilisation’ of MPLAD funds.
Reacting to the development, Panda said that he was shocked while denying the allegations against him.
Taking to Twitter, Panda said, “I’m shocked at this news. Very very sad @Naveen_Odisha didn’t see thru the conspiracy agnst me led by an IAS ofcr now controlling th party. I vehemently deny the allegations agnst me, they are entirely false & baseless. I will pray to Jagannath for guidance b4 i respond further.”
*I’m shocked at this news
*Very very sad @Naveen_Odisha didn’t see thru the conspiracy agnst me led by an IAS ofcr now controlling th party
*I vehemently deny the allegations agnst me, they are entirely false & baseless
*I will pray to Jagannath for guidance b4 i respond further— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) January 24, 2018
Panda was accused of criticising his leader and Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, through a series of columns in newspapers. He was later removed as BJD’s parliamentary party spokesperson last year. This gave rise to speculations that Panda may soon join the BJP.
In May last year, eggs were thrown at Jay Panda allegedly by supporters of BJD MLA Pratap Jena.
According to some reports, BJD’s Cuttack district observer Usha Devi, who was appointed by Naveen Patnaik to probe allegations against Panda, had submitted her report on Wednesday.
