Bhubaneswar, Jan 15 (AHN) After the suspension of two MLAs from the party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) spokesperson and Media Coordinator Lenin Mohanty on Thursday said that party president Naveen Patnaik never tolerates ‘corrupt traitors’.

In a press statement, Mohanty said that under the dynamic leadership of party president Naveen Patnaik, the BJD has emerged as one of the most successful regional parties in the country, with a membership base exceeding one crore.

He stated that all party members are expected to strictly adhere to the party constitution and established guidelines, and that the BJD leadership has consistently taken firm action against those found violating the party’s constitution and guidelines.

“Naveen Patnaik never tolerates corrupt traitors. The Members of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Shri Arvind Mohapatra and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, have breached these guidelines. Following careful deliberation and due process, both have been suspended from the party with immediate effect,” said Mohanty.

The BJD spokesperson further added that party workers across Odisha wholeheartedly welcomed Patnaik's decision to suspend Mohapatra and Mahakud on Thursday evening. In a major development, BJD president Patnaik on Thursday suspended Patkura MLA Arvind Mohapatra and Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud over their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

“Shri Arvind Mohapatra, MLA and Shri Sanatan Mahakud, MLA are hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect for their involvement in antiparty activities,” a statement issued on Thursday read.

Meanwhile, Mohapatra, son of former minister and veteran leader Bijoy Mohapatra, who represents the Patkura constituency in Kendrapara district, denied any involvement in anti-party activities.

“I just came to know about the news regarding my suspension from social media. I don’t have any knowledge as to why I have been suspended from the party. I am not involved in any anti-party activities and engaged in party works in my constituency,” said Mohapatra.

Mohapatra also claimed that he has no relationship with any groups within the party or has made any statement that could hurt the party’s image. He said he would meet party supremo Patnaik regarding the development and would then speak to the media.