School & Mass Education Minister Rabi Narayan Nanda, who has complete control over the Biju Janata Dal in Jeypore and even led the party to two successive massive victories in ULB polls, has failed to end the infighting within the party during the Vice Chairperson election today.

Three BJD councilors have declared war on each others and refused to budge, leading to the cancellation of the polls. Suryanarayan Rath, who held the post twice earlier, had sought a hattrick this time. However, his dreams were shattered after two other councilors Anup Patra and Durga Prasad Mishra too filed their nominations. Later, all three had to withdraw their papers under pressure from the BJD leadership.

Rabi Nanda rules the roost in Jeypore BJD and his decisions always remains final. However, this time, he is unwilling to take a risk and upset other councilors, who could play spoilsport for him in the next assembly elections.

Although P Padma was elected unopposed for the post of Chairman of Jeypore Municipality, the Vice Chairperson’s post has now become the major bone of contention. Suryanarayan Rath is a four-time Councilor, while Anup Patra held the posts such as Jeypore Block Vice Chairman and Zilla Parishad member. Durga Prasad Mishra is the Treasurer of District BJD.

With Inputs from Chitta Ranjan Choudhury, Jeypore.