Kothar, Dec, 23: A preparatory meeting was held this afternoon at Kalyani in Dhusuri of Dhamnagar block regarding the celebration of the 29th foundation day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), scheduled to be observed on the 26th of this month. Grassroots workers from 31 panchayats participated in the meeting, where various aspects of making the foundation day celebration a success were discussed.
The meeting was attended by BJD Block President Pratap Samal, Dr. Sanjay Das, Zilla Parishad member Sarada Prasanna Sahu, Vice-Chairperson Tunibala Biswal, former President Umesh Mahanti, Bhatsahi Sarpanch Sitakanta Majhi, and former Block Chairman Ashok Nayak, among others.
However, former BJD MP Manjulata Mandal, her husband and former MLA Muktikanta Mandal, and former MLA Rajendra Das were notably absent from the meeting. It is being heard that their absence created quiet murmurs and speculation at the venue. Several leaders and workers reportedly raised questions regarding their non-attendance.
Attempts to contact Dhamnagar Block BJD President Shri Samal for comments were unsuccessful. When asked about the issue, former Block President Shri Mahanti, who was present at the meeting, stated that they did not attend this time, but they would definitely be invited to the next meeting.
It is noteworthy that about a week ago, some workers from the Dhamnagar विधानसभा constituency joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Moreover, according to reliable sources, on the upcoming 22nd, five BJD-supported sarpanches and three samiti members are likely to quit the party.
In such a situation, the absence of former MPs and MLAs from the meeting has created confusion and concern among the general public and party workers alike.