Bhubaneswar, Dec. 26: Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena's absence at the BJD's 19th foundation day programme has sparked off speculations about whether his days as the city's first citizen are numbered.

Almost all prominent BJD leaders, including the Bhubaneswar MP and the MLAs representing the city, were present at the meeting organised to mark the day with chief minister Naveen Patnaik addressing party workers.

Jena, however, was conspicuous by his absence. Police are currently investigating his involvement in a sex scandal. In the past, the mayor used to take the lead in organising the foundation day celebrations at the party office. He even issued party letters in his capacity as BJD secretary.

Significantly, Jena continues to attend office at the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation regularly and had also taken part in the last Rahagiri event on Sunday. On being asked why he did not attend the foundation day meet, the mayor said: "I could not find time for the meeting because my mother is ill. I had told the party chief about it."

Alleging that a section of people were trying to harm his image, Jena said: "I have approached the court and the truth will come out. I have full faith in God."

"After the video-clip of his alleged sex scandal and allegations of his role in the mysterious death of an engineering student, the chief minister, who is sensitive about his image, has started maintaining a distance from him. That's the reason for his absence," said a senior BJD leader who did not want to be named.

Another party leader, who was present on the occasion, said: "When the countdown has already begun for the panchyat elections, how can Naveen babu share the dais with Jena? Sharing dais with him would give the Opposition an opportunity to target the chief minister."

Security at the meeting venue was tight to avoid any untoward incident, especially since BJD youth leader Chinmaya Sahu had openly opposed the BJP's Bhubaneswar bandh on the issue of the mayor's resignation. There was a lurking fear of retaliation by the Opposition.

Though the mayor was not to be seen at the foundation day celebrations, all the three Bhubaneswar MLAs - culture minister Ashok Panda, Badal Mohanty and Priyadarshi Mishra - were present. Bhubaneswar district BJD president Babu Singh and party's youth wing general secretary Bijay Nayak were also seen on the stage.

It was Naveen himself who presided over the programme calling upon speakers. Except party vice-president Surya Narayan Patro, all other leaders were asked to limit their speeches to two-and-a-half minutes.

Women arrested

Members of the BJP women's wing courted arrest on their way to Naveen Nivas to present bangles to the chief minister for not taking action against the mayor.

Sources said the chief minister was waiting for the police investigation report into the sex scandal and the mysterious death of engineering student before taking a call on the mayor's fate.

"He is also waiting for the court's hearing and its outcome on December 28," said a BJD leader.