Discontent Surfaces Against Pandian
An internal crisis has gripped the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), with growing dissatisfaction among senior leaders over the role of V.K. Pandian, once considered the most influential aide to Naveen Patnaik. The rift comes in the aftermath of the party’s defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, which ended Patnaik’s long stint in power.
Swain’s Veiled Attack Raises Eyebrows
Senior BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain appeared to take a veiled swipe at Pandian. Referring to his earlier comment that he was “down but not out,” Swain used a recent interaction to project his own political relevance, sparking speculation about divisions within the party ranks.
Samantaray Questions Transparency
Adding fuel to the crisis, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray criticised Pandian openly, accusing him of failing to provide accurate updates on Naveen Patnaik’s health condition. He said such lack of transparency was a grave error that harmed both the party and the people of Odisha.
Fallout of 2024 Defeat
The BJD’s election loss has triggered a wave of introspection and blame-shifting, with senior leaders now voicing discontent more openly. Analysts suggest that the disapproval of Pandian—once the party’s organisational backbone—is no longer a whispered grievance but a public reality.
Patnaik Defends Pandian Amid Rift
In response to the mounting criticism, Naveen Patnaik has come out in support of Pandian. The former chief minister accused party leaders of holding unauthorised meetings outside the BJD headquarters, calling such actions indiscipline. However, Pandian himself has remained silent, deepening the intrigue over the party’s internal dynamics.
Future of BJD in Question
The escalating infighting raises doubts about the BJD’s ability to reconcile warring factions and restore its strength. With Odisha’s political landscape rapidly shifting, the party’s capacity to mobilise collectively will determine its relevance in the coming years.