The Biju Janata Dal is seemingly in dire straits. Internal bickering is damaging the party when it supposed to show unity as a cohesive opposition to newly elected Bharatiya Janata Party government in Odisha. The BJD has 51 members of the 147 strong state legislature. The Party lost 2024 elections after ruling Odisha for 24 years under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik.
Already majority of party's rank and file have been blaming the "ambitious arrogance" of Patnaik's official aide turned politician , Kartikeyan Pandian for BJD's defeat . But that's old story. The present crisis in the party stem from Patnaik's continuous protection and dependency on Pandian and his handpicked cohorts. The cadre want them out of the party.
What has offended party men most is Patnaik's post in social media platform "X" last week which said: " As I have stated earlier Mr Pandian has served the state and the party with utmost dedication efficiency and integrity and he is known and respected for the same". Patnaik was reacting to a story carried by an English daily with the caption "Naveen wants BJP to spurn Pandian overtures".
Most of the party's MLAs seemed peeved over such a statement from Patnaik. This is utter nonsense. Naveen Patnaik is still our leader and his popularity is intact. But then why we lost the polls despite no reduction in our vote share. Its only due to Pandian who was not acceptable to people", an angry BJD lawmaker told Uday India who was not willing to be quoted. "Why is that Patnaik has refrained from summoning the party think-tank for vivid review of reasons behind party's humiliating fall so far", added another BJD law maker.
While Pandian had announced his retirement from politics, BJD's second rung leaders insist that Pandian is still operating from "Naveen Niwas" - Patanik's house in Bhubaneswar and continue to influence him. The recent appointment of a former corporate executive, Santrupt Mishra as the political secretary to Patnaik is believed to be pushed by Pandian. Mishra had contested Cuttack Lok Sabha seat and lost to BJP's Bhartruhari Mahtab.
Patnaik , who is now the leader of Opposition in the state assembly, has already disbanded state units. " The new office-bearers will be appointed soon " a signed statement by Patnaik said. "But how soon", questioned a senior leader of the party. This is in contrast to Patnaik quickly announcing names of party spokespersons and media panel inducting new names.
Meanwhile, "Sankha Bhavan" - BJD's state headquarters continues to witness slogan shouting by the young brigade of the party at random blaming party's defeat on Pandian, and his acolytes - Organizational secretary Pranab Prakash Das and media in charge Manas Mangaraj.
Though yet to be out in the open the irritation is very much visible in private conversations. "Unless the party dumps the men in question it won't be far when the pent-up frustrations among the majority takes the shape of an open revolt and possibly triggering a split", said a senior BJD leader.
Political Analysts feel that if the BJD is intact still after the poll debacle precisely because Patnaik continue to enjoy trust of the party workers and supporters. However, these are the people who very much detest Patnaik"s protection extended to Pandian and his tricky narcissistic agenda. Unless the BJD Chief completely revamps the party by ousting Pandian and his clique the party is destined to witness severe unrest in future.
(The content of this article reflects the views of writers and contributors, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
By Pratap Mohanty from Bhubaneswar
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