Biju Janata Dal Expels Two MLAs, Citing Alleged Wrongdoings and Anti-Public Activities

Biju Janata Dal Expels Two MLAs, Citing Alleged Wrongdoings and Anti-Public Activities

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) took action on Thursday, expelling two of its MLAs, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik from Khandapada and Sudhanshu Sekhar Parida from Remuna, citing their alleged involvement in activities detrimental to the public interest. BJD President and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik made the announcement of their expulsion.

The official statement released by the BJD explained the reasons behind these actions. Sudhanshu Sekhar Parida was accused of misappropriating government subsidies intended for farmers, totaling over three crores rupees, from the year 2017-18 and 2019-20. This matter is under investigation by the State Vigilance on the orders of the Honorable Lokayukta.

Regarding Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, the BJD mentioned that an FIR had been filed against him and others by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Odisha under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The allegations relate to an organized bank fraud involving loans worth crores of Rupees taken in the name of more than 300 Sambad newspaper employees, using fraudulent means and forged documents.

Soumya Ranjan Patnaik’s expulsion followed his criticism of the visits of 5T Secretary VK Pandian to various districts through his editorials and media statements. Subsequently, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Odisha Crime Branch conducted raids on the office of Sambad newspaper, which is owned by Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, on suspicion of involvement in the alleged loan fraud. These raids involved three joint teams comprising 12 officials from the EOW and Commissionerate Police and were conducted at the Sambad office located in the Rasulgarh area of Bhubaneswar.