A two-time Rajya Sabha MP, Patra is among the six BJD members in the House.
Party sources told ET there was a lack of coordination among MPs on key issues.
One MP said that during the controversy over BJP leader Nishikant Dubey calling Biju Patnaik a “CIA agent”, Patra did not take other Rajya Sabha MPs into confidence. While members were willing to protest strongly and disrupt proceedings, Patra, after speaking in the House, announced a walkout.
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“Two MPs of the National Conference disrupted the House when Farooq Abdullah was targeted. This was about Biju Babu, yet he just announced a walkout. We had no option but to follow,” the MP said on condition of anonymity.
Several BJD MPs told ET that unlike other parties, which hold regular meetings to decide floor strategy, no such mechanism existed and Patra rarely convened discussions.”There is a WhatsApp group for Rajya Sabha MPs, but it remains inactive most of the time. He doesn’t consult MPs and takes decisions on his own,” another MP said.
On the bill to approve Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s permanent capital, MPs said they supported it in line with Naveen Patnaik’s earlier backing of N Chandrababu Naidu‘s position, though no formal party direction was issued.
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Some party leaders, however, dismissed the criticism.
“He had expressed his willingness to step down earlier as well. The party had asked him to continue. There is nothing unusual. He will now focus on other responsibilities,” said Santrupt Misra, newly elected BJD Rajya Sabha MP and political advisor to Naveen Patnaik.
The party is expected to appoint a new floor leader soon. Misra said an experienced MP should be given the opportunity to lead the party in the House.
