Former BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra accuses party of betrayal following suspension

Bhubaneswar: A day after her suspension from BJD, former general secretary Shreemayee Mishra launched a blistering critique of the party leadership, accusing it of indifference and betrayal.

In a social media post, Mishra said her repeated appeals for dignity were ignored, especially after being insulted by a rival member. “I considered the party leader like a father,” she wrote. “But when my honour was questioned and he remained silent, that was the turning point in my life.”

Mishra claimed she had distanced herself from party roles since early 2024 and challenged BJD to produce proof of her membership renewal.

Senior BJD MLA Pramila Mallik defended the party’s decision. “Many leaders come and go, but only those who follow party discipline remain under the party president’s leadership,” she said, adding, “She used the party to gain power.”

Manmath Routray, who had unsuccessfully contested from Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha seat as a BJD nominee, was more scathing. “Shreemayaee had grown accustomed to privileges — postings, allowances and status — and became mentally unsettled when those were withdrawn,” he claimed.