Senior BJD Leader Prafulla Mallik Voices Dissent, Exposes Deepening Rift

Mallik Questions Party’s Ideological Clarity

In a major jolt to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior leader and former minister Prafulla Mallik has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the party is being run. Addressing the media on Friday, Mallik said the BJD has deviated from its founding principles and even failed to function as a responsible opposition. “The party is no longer ideologically clear. I am disillusioned and may not continue with the organisation in the coming days,” he remarked.

Targeting VK Pandian’s Role

Mallik has long been critical of the growing influence of VK Pandian, close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Earlier this month, he opposed Patnaik’s recommendation of Pandian’s involvement in party affairs, questioning his authority. Taking a swipe at Naveen’s disapproval of informal meetings by senior leaders, Mallik retorted, “We are not paid employees who should be threatened. Our venue and timing are our own business.”

Dissatisfaction Among Old Guard

The rift is not limited to Mallik. Other senior BJD leaders including Debasish Samantaray, Raja Swain, Badri Patra, and Ashok Panda have in recent months voiced their displeasure over the party’s trajectory. They argue that the BJD should represent all sections of society rather than a select few, and that continued ambiguity over Pandian’s role has only deepened confusion among grassroots workers.

Fallout of 2024 Electoral Defeat

The discord comes in the aftermath of the BJD’s defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, a loss many attribute to Pandian’s increasing dominance. With the BJP rapidly gaining ground at the grassroots — block after block slipping away from the BJD — discontent within the party has intensified.

Leadership Under Question

Naveen Patnaik recently appointed new leaders for the BJD’s youth and student wings, a move seen as an attempt to regain organisational control. However, the women’s wing has shown autonomy in its actions, and the lack of clear communication from the top leadership has only fueled speculation about the party’s future direction.

Call for Decisive Action

Political observers warn that if Naveen Patnaik does not take decisive steps to address internal rifts, the BJD could face an even deeper crisis ahead of the 2029 elections. With murmurs of dissent growing louder, Patnaik’s continued silence has itself become a subject of debate in Odisha’s political circles.