Bhubaneswar, March 13: Infighting within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Nuapada has come to the forefront, with local leaders opposing the alleged “autocratic” behavior of the sitting BJD MLA and Planning and Coordination Minister, Rajendra Dholakia.
The dawn-to-dusk bandh organized on Tuesday by the Nuapada Swabhiman Manch received support from local BJD leaders.
During the 12-hour bandh, all government and private offices, banks, and business establishments remained closed. However, schools and colleges remained open due to ongoing student examinations.
Supporters of the bandh burnt an effigy of Minister Rajendra Dholakia. They accused him of involvement in several scams and demanded a thorough investigation into his alleged corrupt activities. Besides, they called for his removal from the state Cabinet and urged the BJD high command not to give him party ticket in the ensuing elections.
On the other hand, Minister Dholakia refuted the allegations, describing the protest a political conspiracy against him. He pointed out that the BJD leaders who led the protest were ticket aspirants for the upcoming Assembly elections. Dholakia also suggested that opposition parties might be supporting these BJD leaders due to discussions about the alliance in Odisha.
