TNI Bureau: The dissident BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Pyari Mohan Mohapatra on Sunday announced formation of Odisha Jana Morcha (OJM) with in BJD.

The formation of OJM by Mohapatra came amidst a variety of speculations in Odisha political scenario ever since he was suspended from BJD for allegedly attempting a coup bid against Naveen Patnaik government on May 29, when the chief minister was on a foreign tour.

OJM spokesperson, Jagneswar Babu, a staunch Pyari loyalist, said the morcha is simply a forum within BJD. “It aims to ensure that the ideals and wishes of the legendary leader Biju Patnaik are honoured and fulfilled by true inner democracy of the party,” he added.

Mr. Mohapatra however said, “Odisha Jana Morcha has been formed. It is not a political party but a front. More information about it will be given later,”

Addressing to the media, on this new development taken by Mohapatra, state Parliamentary Affairs minister Kalpataru Das said formation of the morcha would have little impact on BJD.  While senior BJD leader and Health Minister Damodar Raut said, it is just an attempt by Mr. Mahapatra to come out from the isolation within BJD.