Panigrahy claims he’s nonetheless in BJD, signifies return to lively politics 

By Express News Service

BERHAMPUR:  Thrown out of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over his alleged hyperlinks with senior IFS officer Abhay Kant Pathak and later in a job rip-off, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy on Thursday indicated his return to lively politics as he met his supporters at varied locations in his Assembly constituency.

Attending a operate at Hanuman temple in Tata Rehabilitation Colony, Panigrahy stated, “I have decided to devote my time and resources to the service of people of my constituency.” Talking to the media, Panigrahy asserted he was nonetheless in BJD.

“My name is at serial number 26 in the BJD list of Odisha Legislative Assembly.” Incidentally, the MLA was suspended from the first membership of BJD in November 2020 for his alleged hyperlinks with Abhay and his son Akash, accused of duping job seekers to the tune of crores of rupees.

The Gopalpur MLA was subsequently arrested by the Crime Branch on expenses of forgery and cyber crime. He was in jail until the Orissa High Court granted him bail in reference to the job fraud case on June 11 2021. 

After his launch from jail, Panigrahy remained indoors and was hardly seen within the public. He additionally didn’t go to his constituency in the course of the panchayat and concrete native physique elections held earlier this yr. But on the day, the MLA visited a number of areas in his constituency the place he was greeted by a whole bunch of his supporters.

Sources stated in Panigrahy’s absence, political advisor of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Gopabandhu Das sorted the get together affairs in Gopalpur and was additionally seen taking part in electioneering. As native BJD MLAs and leaders accompanied Das throughout his visits to Gopalpur, it was believed he was BJD’s different for Panigrahy.

However because the final some months, actions of Das have lowered considerably within the constituency amid speculations of Panigrahy returning to lively politics. Political observers opined that since senior BJD chief and Digapahandi MLA Surjya Narayan Patro is skipping get together actions as a result of his failing well being, Panigrahy’s look in public after two lengthy years will assist him regain his misplaced base within the area.