BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is heading for a split with chances of reconciliation between the loyalists and dissidents appearing remote. In this context, the meeting of the BJD Legislature Party scheduled for June 30 has become crucial.Both the sides are now busy mobilising support among the MLAs with party president Naveen Patnaik yet to revoke the suspension order served on five dissident MLAs.
Fed up with the dilly-dallying by the party president, the dissident camp is now itching for the ultimate step. They claim to have the support of eight MLAs including BJD Political Affairs Committee chairman Bijoy Mahapatra. However, two of the eight MLAs did not sign the statement on Saturday demanding immediate withdrawal of the suspension order.
Post-suspension, the BJD has an effective strength of 22 in the Orissa Assembly. Eight MLAs are required for a split in the legislature party.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
