Naveen Patnaik suspends MLA from BJD

BHUBANESWAR: The ruling BJD suspended senior MLA Debasis Nayak from the party for indulging in "anti-party activities", after his remarks about the functioning of the government in Orissa triggered a row.The ex-minister, who represents Bari assembly seat, was suspended by BJD President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, party sources said.Unhappy over senior BJD MLAs airing their views on various issues in public, Patnaik had on Friday warned partymen to maintain discipline.Patnaik's words came a day after Nayak's reported statement accusing the party President of not performing upto the expectations of people.Nayak was not available for comment after the suspension move.Nayak, who had been dropped from the ministry during BJD's second tenure between 2004-2009, said earlier "Patnaik must function democratically."Nayak's remark came days after senior BJD MLA Damodar Rout alleged that the CM was implementing party MP Pyari Mohan Mohapatra's agenda instead of taking own decisions.