The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Cuttack is grappling with deepening internal divisions, turning Naveen Patnaik’s 79th birthday celebrations into a showcase of discord. While party supporters chanted slogans in honour of their leader, influential local figures exchanged barbs, sidelining the values of unity Patnaik cherishes and exposing cracks that threaten the party’s power, post, and stability.
Birthday Celebrations Marred by Dispute
The tension escalated on October 16, when district leaders, led by Mayor Subas Singh and Zilla Parishad Chairman Prafulla Singh, organized a modest birthday tribute at an orphanage in the CDA area. Corporators, workers, and supporters gathered to distribute fruits and cut a cake. However, simultaneous events at different locations disrupted the harmony of the occasion.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray, a former Cuttack MLA, chose a separate path. He visited the district headquarters hospital, distributed fruits to patients, and extended birthday wishes to Patnaik. Soon, cordial gestures gave way to sharp criticism. Samantaray dismissed the orphanage event as a “fake” celebration, calling Singh and Prafulla “low-level leaders” lacking the humanity to invite him.
Clash of Leaders Intensifies
Mayor Singh responded swiftly, questioning Samantaray’s remarks: “If the mayor and ZP chairman are low-level, what does that make him?” Singh emphasized that the district unit programme was official and attended by key personnel, except Samantaray. He added that the high command would decide on Samantaray’s statements, hinting at potential action from the party leadership.
Growing Factionalism Threatens Party Unity
This incident highlights the long-standing factionalism in Cuttack BJD, previously visible through disputes over projects like the Petanala drain and protest attendances. With Patnaik not directly in local control, discontent is growing, and once-united ranks are splintering into rival groups. Questions loom over whether the party veteran can restore unity before the next elections.