India, Feb. 13 -- BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Thursday reprimanded Champua MLA Sana Mahakud for missing the party's legislature meeting and asked him if he is joining the BJP. In a rare instance, Patnaik engaged in a forthright discussion with Mahakud while entering the State Legislative Assembly ahead of the budget session on Thursday.

Accompanied by fellow BJD MLAs, Patnaik queried why Mahakud was absent from the BJD legislators' meeting held on Wednesday. Mahakud explained that he was unwell; however, Patnaik issued a biting rejoinder.

"Why didn't you attend the party meeting yesterday," questioned Naveen.

In reply, the Champua MLA said, "I wasn't well yesterday"; listening to this, Naveen again asked, "Ar...