BJD’s Jajpur Stronghold Crumbles: Why Is Top Leader Babi Staying Silent Amid Mass Exodus?

Several BJD members, ranging from block-level leaders to district council representatives, have defected to the BJP in recent months. Areas such as Badachana, Sukinda, Korei, and Dharmasala have been most affected, with the BJP making steady inroads.

Notably, Nalini Prabha Jena, district council president from Zone 3 in Korei, and Ganeshwar Baral, district council vice-president in Badachana, joined the BJP, alarming local BJD cadres. In total, 18 district council members have left the party, signalling significant organizational instability.

Babi’s Silence Sparks Concern

Despite being the central figure in Jajpur’s BJD setup, Babi has remained notably quiet amid the defections. While he has focused on his own constituency, Bari, and his mother’s election campaign in Korei, he has not actively intervened in other areas facing turmoil.

This silence has raised eyebrows among both local leaders and state-level BJD officials. Party members are questioning his grip on the organization, particularly after prominent leaders switched sides without apparent consultation.

State Leaders Step In

Former Sukinda MLA Pritiranjan Ghadai, also known as Dani, has stepped up to address the situation. He has engaged with the media, highlighting plans to reorganize the district setup and reportedly convinced at least one member to return to the BJD fold.

Meanwhile, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahu and others have demonstrated their ability to weaken the BJD’s local presence, intensifying the party’s challenges in Jajpur.

Organizational Stability at Risk

Babi’s restrained approach is fueling speculation about internal tensions within the Jajpur BJD. Questions persist over how senior leaders could leave without his knowledge and whether his quiet stance signals discontent or a strategic message to state leaders.

As local elections draw near, the BJD faces mounting pressure to stabilize its leadership and prevent further erosion of its influence in one of Odisha’s key districts. Party insiders are now closely watching Babi’s next moves to determine whether he can restore confidence and maintain control in Jajpur.