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Jolt to Naveen Patnaik,
Acharya recognised BJDPP leader

"Acting on the unanimous resolution submitted by six BJD MPs, Speaker Manohar Joshi has recognised me as leader of the Parliamentary Party and Bhatruhari Mahatab as chief whip," Acharya told PTI.

Acharya, who is away in his constituency in Orissa, said by telephone that a communication about the Speaker's decision was received on Tuesday.

The communication from the Lok Sabha secretariat referred to the joint letter written by the rebel MPs electing Acharya as leader in place of Sethi and said, "In the light of the legal position and facts on record, the Speaker has decided to accede to your request for change of leader and other office bearers of the BJD in the Lok Sabha for functional purposes in the House with effect from October 29, 2002. Necessary changes are being made in the records."

Acharya, who replaces Union Water Resources Minister Arjun Charan Sethi, a Patnaik loyalist, said, "Those who have been running the party in an autocratic manner should now change their style of functioning."

Asserting that he and the five other BJD Lok Sabha MPs with him never wanted to split the party, he said, "Our aim has been to strengthen inner-party democracy."

"Party MPs had to face the wrath of the people as they failed to raise vital issues concerning them even in Parliament," Acharya said.

Acharya said the six MPs wanted the BJD Parliamentary Party to function in an efficient manner but were 'not permitted' by the leadership to safeguard the interests of the people of Orissa despite the BJD being a regional party.

In order to meet the requirements of the 35 million (3.5 crore) people of Orissa, the BJD Parliamentary Party needed to be revitalised and required a change of leadership, he said.

BJD chief Naveen Patnaik put up a brave face saying it was an 'internal matter' of the party and that it was a matter relating to the Lok Sabha only. The beleaguered leader has so far refused to accept Acharya as the leader of the BJD Parliamentary Party.

But Jagannath Mallick, a suspended BJD MP, claimed the developments in the aftermath of the Speaker's decision would have 'far-reaching repercussions' on the political situation in Orissa.

EARLIER REPORT:
Sethi still BJD parliamentary party chief : Naveen Patnaik

More reports from Orissa

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