BJD expels rebel leader Pyarimohan Mohapatra
Bhubaneswar, Nov.16 (ANI)
The state executive committee of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) which met here on Friday expelled Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra from the party for anti-party activities.
Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik announced this today in Bhubaneswar.
"He has acted against the party constitution," Patnaik said.
Mohapatra had formed Odisha Jan Morcha - an outfit designed to challenge Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's authority and leadership.
"I heard it through electronic media. He is acting against the party constitution. I am not surprised because Patnaik considers partymen as his personal servants. If someone is above this, he will be thrown out. I am still in the BJD and will fight for the BJD workers," Mohapatra said.
The party also expelled Mr Mohapatra's close aide and party general secretary Jagneswar Babu.
Mohapatra was at the centre of a controversy in May this year when reports emerged that a powerful section within the ruling BJD had fallen out with Patnaik.
The rebels were reportedly planning to split the BJD. Mohapatra denied these reports later.