All eyes are now on Rayagada politics: Will BJD survive no-confidence motion?
By Chandrabhanu Singh
Rayagada, Oct 8: Political developments in Rayagada have drawn significant attention as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) faces an internal challenge ahead of the no-confidence motion against Municipal Vice-Chairperson Shubhra Panda, scheduled for Thursday.
According to sources, the BJD leadership is making concerted efforts to maintain organisational unity and retain its position in the Rayagada Municipality. The situation has reportedly created unease within the party ranks, with several councillors who had earlier signed the no-confidence proposal now expected to return to participate in the voting.
On Wednesday, the BJD district president Jagannath Saraka met District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni, who is also the election officer, to discuss procedural aspects of the vote and submitted a petition seeking permission to remain present during the proceedings. Saraka later informed the media that the party’s state leadership has issued a whip, directing councillors to vote in support of the Vice-Chairperson. He also stated that disciplinary action may be considered if any member violates the party directive.
Observers note that the upcoming vote is significant in the context of recent organisational changes within the BJD. Following the 2024 general elections, N. Bhaskar Rao, a senior leader who later formed the Biju Swabhiman Mancha, along with a few associates, had parted ways with the party citing internal differences. The present developments are seen as a continuation of that rift.
The District Collector has confirmed that the no-confidence vote will be held on October 9, and results will be declared as per municipal election guidelines.
Political analysts believe that the outcome of this no-confidence motion will not only decide the future of the Rayagada municipal leadership but also indicate the organizational stability of the BJD in southern Odisha.
Overall, tomorrow’s proceedings are expected to be a crucial test of both party discipline and grassroots political alignment in the district.
