BJD MLA Sanatan Mahakud questioned by Naveen over absence, denies BJP shift

Bhubaneswar, Feb 13: A brief but striking exchange took place at the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday when BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik confronted Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud for missing the party's legislature meeting. Patnaik’s direct question about Mahakud’s political leanings has sparked discussions in the political circles.

The interaction occurred around 10:50 AM as Patnaik arrived for the Budget Session. Spotting Mahakud, he asked, “Why didn’t you attend the party meeting yesterday?” In response, Mahakud cited health issues, saying he was unwell. However, Patnaik pressed further, asking, “Have you come today to see the BJP CM?”

Dismissing speculations about switching allegiance, Mahakud later told the media, “I meet the Chief Minister for my constituency’s development. His visit to Champua was part of that. There was a cake-cutting event, and he fed me a piece of cake—nothing more should be read into it.”

Meanwhile, BJP leader Jaynarayan Mishra claimed that Naveen Patnaik fears an exodus from BJD, especially after two Rajya Sabha MPs, Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar, recently joined the BJP.