A terse one-liner, signed by party vice-president and food supplies minister Suryo Patro BJD, said Patnaik has removed Panda from the post with immediate effect. Three days ago, commenting on the switching of sides by former BJD MP and tribal leader Jayram Pangi to BJP, Panda had tweeted: “One gone yesterday, another today. Though party spokesmen had warned him against venting it out on social media, the MP did not seem to be affected. Apart from Panda, BJD MP from Cuttack and BJD Parliamentary Party leader Bhartruhari Mahtab too has made life difficult for Naveen by writing newspaper articles on BJD’s desperation over BJP’s rise. Party sources indicated more action was likely against leaders who have started speaking out against the chief minister despite warning not to go public.

Source: Indian Express May 12, 2017 15:21 UTC