Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday launched a sharp attack on Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray following his resignation from the party. Senior leaders rejected his claim that he was “systematically belittled” and alleged that his move was driven by personal interests.

Reacting to Samantaray’s resignation, senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik said the former MP had received several important positions during his association with the party.

“Naveen Patnaik made him an MLA, appointed him Chairman of the Film Development Corporation, made him BJD president for Cuttack district and later nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. Despite receiving all these opportunities, he chose to leave the party,” she said.

Mallik alleged that Samantaray joined hands with the BJP believing its “washing machine” would help resolve his problems.

“The BJP operates a ‘washing machine’, which he perhaps believes will clean up his mess. He remains in an inebriated state most of the time. He may have committed certain unlawful acts and is now running to the BJP to get his mess cleaned. He may also have left the BJD believing that joining the BJP would benefit the businesses he operates,” she alleged.

Party Questions His Public Service Record

Responding to Samantaray’s assertion that he felt “belittled” within the BJD, Mallik questioned why an elected representative would expect the party to serve him.

“He was elected as an MP to serve the people, not to seek service from the party. He was nominated to raise Odisha’s issues and work for the development of its people. Why should the party serve him? The responsibility of MLAs and MPs is to serve the people of Odisha. One cannot enjoy power, position and respect from the party while refusing to work for the party or the people,” she said.

On the Waqf Bill controversy, Mallik alleged that Samantaray had maintained close ties with the BJP after the BJD’s electoral defeat.

“Whenever he needed a position or anything connected to his personal interests, he could reach Naveen Patnaik. But during the Waqf Bill issue he suddenly could not meet him? The BJP probably directed him to remain absent during the Waqf Bill proceedings. That is why he later stated that he could not understand the party’s directive on the Bill,” she alleged.

She further claimed that individuals who join politics primarily for positions and personal gains do not remain relevant for long.

“When such people leave the party, the organisation functions better. They take advantage of the party and leave. Such individuals are not true politicians and should stay away from politics. After the party lost the elections, they revealed their true colours and left to be cleaned by the BJP’s ‘washing machine’,” she said.

Allegations Over Conduct And Business Interests

Mallik also referred to alleged concerns regarding Samantaray’s personal conduct.

“The party had repeatedly advised him against consuming intoxicating substances. Even during his tenure as MP, he did not adequately raise issues concerning the people of Odisha. Therefore, his departure is not a matter of concern for the party,” she claimed.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJD leader Lenin Mohanty said Samantaray had benefited from multiple organisational and political positions during his tenure in the party.

“He lost twice because of his own actions despite serving as president of the BJD’s Cuttack district unit. We are surprised that after taking all the advantages offered by the party, he now left to join the BJP, apparently to secure support for his business interests. Over the past four years, his contribution to the party was limited. He held several important positions while with us, but if he chose to leave for the sake of his construction business, that is his decision. It will not affect the party,” Mohanty said.

Also Read: Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray quits BJD, cites feeling ‘systematically belittled’ in resignation letter

The remarks came after Samantaray resigned from the BJD’s primary membership, citing a feeling of being “systematically belittled” and claiming that the party no longer required his services.