Jharsuguda : A day after ten sarpanch’s from Lakhanpur block of Brajrajnagar constituency joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) held a press meet on Friday evening to clarify its position and downplay the political significance of the development.

The press conference, chaired by former Brajrajnagar MLA Alaka Mohanty, was held at a private hotel in Jharsuguda. Addressing the media, Mohanty asserted that none of the Sarpanch’s who joined the BJP were primary members of the BJD. “Sarpanch’s do not contest elections on party symbols, and often align themselves with the ruling party to serve local interests. Their shift to BJP will not affect the strength or structure of the BJD in Brajrajnagar,” she stated.

BJD Jharsuguda District President Harish Ganatra further alleged irregularities during the joining ceremony. “Among those who joined, Banjari Sarpanch Seema Sahu and Charpali Sarpanch Aruna Suna were notably absent, while their husbands represented them at the event. This is not only improper but condemnable,” Ganatra said.

Farmer leader Pradeep Biswal from Belpahar criticized the prevailing law and order situation under the BJP-led government, claiming that women in the state are feeling increasingly unsafe. “This is not the change people voted for,” he remarked.

Speaking on future prospects, BJD State Executive Member Tapas Roy Chowdhury expressed confidence that the party remains strong in Jharsuguda and will emerge victorious in the upcoming Panchayat elections. “This incident is politically insignificant and will not shake the foundations of the BJD,” he added.

Prominent party leaders present at the press meet included District Youth BJD President Prashant Jena, Zilla Parishad Member Sanat Singh, Akshay Sahu, Gautam Pradhan, Pradeep Biswal, Tikeshwar Sahabi, Minoranjan Mohapatra, Sandeep Awasthi, and Pramod Gardia.