Bhubaneswar, Jan. 5 -- Speculation is rife within Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over a possible internal rift, with the political circles abuzz about an indirect face-off between senior leaders Pranab Prakash Das, popularly known as Bobby Das, and others linked to the Korei constituency in Jajpur district.

Without naming anyone directly, Bobby Das appeared to target former MLAs from Korei during a recent programme held at Byasanagar.

Addressing party workers, Bobby Das said that over the last 15 to 17 years, many leaders had been given opportunities in Korei. However, after benefiting politically, they allegedly distanced themselves from the constituency.

The BJD leader remarked that such actions had created divisions and also an atmosphere of...