Naveen cracks the whip, suspends Pyari, sacks two ministers

Three days after an alleged aborted attempt to topple his government, Patnaik, who returned here from the UK yesterday cutting short his visit there, also announced suspension of MLAs Pravat Biswal and Bibhuti Balabantray after a day-long consultation with the senior party leaders and legislators.

The ministers who have been dismissed were Anjali Behera (Women and Child Development, cabinet) Sanjeev Sahu Commerce and Transport, Minister of State).

"I have forwarded a letter to His Excellency Governor of Odisha requesting him for dismissal of Smt. Anjali Behera as the cabinet minister and minister of state Sanjeev Sahu in the government," Patnaik told reporters.

 

The action came as the chief minister took strong exception to a meeting held by dissidents at the house of Mohapatra, who was once his chief strategist, here on Tuesday night when Patnaik was away on a visit to the UK.

Mohapatra, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, hit back at Patnaik accusing him of being a "traitor" and claimed "I have been a victim of a group of conspirators."

"I have worked very hard for the party and the chief minister. The people of the state will consider the matter," Mohapatra told reporters reacting to his suspension from BJD.

"The entire party has been built by my hard labour and this man (Patanaik) has turned out to be traitor," Mohapatra said but ruled out a split in the party. (more)