MLA Ashok Mohanty Claims BJD Leaders Losing Faith in Naveen Patnaik

Odisha BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty asserts that BJD leaders have lost trust in Naveen Patnaik after Mamata Mohanta's resignation from the Rajya Sabha and the party. Mohanta cited her inability to develop her region as the reason for her departure.

Odisha BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty noted a growing mistrust in Naveen Patnaik among BJD leaders, citing Mamata Mohanta's resignation from both the Rajya Sabha and the BJD as a key indicator. According to Mohanty, Mohanta left the party because remaining would hinder her development efforts in her region.

"BJD leaders have lost their trust in Naveen Patnaik. BJD's allegation is false. We have numbers in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. She is resigning from her party because she knows if she stays there, then she can't develop her area. So she left," Mohanty remarked. On Wednesday, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar confirmed receiving and immediately accepting Mohanta's resignation letter.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Dhankhar announced, "Honourable members, I have to make an announcement. I have received a letter today from honourable member Mamata Mohanta, representing the state of Odisha, resigning her seat in the Rajya Sabha. She has resigned her seat by writing to the chairman and handing it personally to me." He further stated that he accepted Mohanta's resignation with immediate effect.

In her resignation letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman, Mohanta stated, "I do hereby tender my resignation from the membership of Rajya Sabha today, i.e., July 31, 2024. I have taken this decision consciously." She also shared the news on her official X handle, mentioning her resignation from the Rajya Sabha and expressing gratitude for the opportunities given to her in the party.

In her letter to Naveen Patnaik, Mohanta explained, "I do hereby resign from the Primary Membership of Biju Janata Dal today, i.e., July 31, 2024. I sincerely express my gratitude to your good self for giving me an opportunity to serve the people of Mayurbhanj and also to take the cause of Odisha at the national level." She added, "However, I feel that there is no requirement of the services of myself as well as my community in the Biju Janata Dal. Therefore, I have taken this hard decision in the public interest."

(With inputs from agencies.)