Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik revoked the suspension of Jatani MLA Bibhuti Balbantray and Choudwar MLA Prabhat Biswal from the BJD after nine months giving them another chance to prove themselves as his loyalist. The two legislators were suspended for their alleged involvement in Rajya Sabha member Pyarimohan Mohapatra’s coup attempt.
Both Bibhuti Balbantray and Prabhat Biswal were named as the co-conspirators in the secret move of Pyari, who was also suspended and then expelled from the party, to oust Naveen from power on May 29, 2012.
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However, both the MLAs had denied the charges. They had tried to please Naveen by supporting BJD’s nominee PA Sangma during the presidential polls. Even they were not seen during the rallies held by Pyari’s Odisha Jana Morcha.
Naveen’s decision brought a huge relief for Bibhuti and Pravat ahead of the next general elections. People in Jatani celebrated Bibhuti Balabantray’s reinstatement with sweets and crackers. The BJD cadres and many youth club workers joined the celebrations.
While talking to TNI, Bibhuti Balabantray thanked Naveen Patnaik and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to him. “I am a soldier of the party and Naveen Patnaik is my leader. I will give my best efforts and work towards the development of the area with renewed energy,” he said.