Defeated BJD Leaders’ Secret Meet in Chandaka Sparks Buzz

A gathering of more than 40 Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders at a farmhouse inside the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday has triggered intense speculation in Odisha’s political circles, with questions being raised over the intent behind the meeting despite organisers terming it a “friendly feast”.

Exclusive Luncheon Raises Eyebrows

The luncheon, described by participants as a farewell get-together to bid goodbye to 2025, was attended exclusively by former MLAs and leaders who had lost in the previous Assembly elections. The timing, location, and restricted guest list of the event have drawn attention, with political observers questioning whether the meeting carried deeper political undertones.

Key BJD Faces in Attendance

The gathering was chaired by youth leader Chandra Sarathi Behera and saw the presence of several prominent BJD leaders, including Rajendra Sahu, Pushpendra Singhdeo, Pritiranjan Ghadai, Pranab Balabantaray, and Uma Samantaray. Notably, none of the party’s incumbent MLAs were invited, a factor that has fueled speculation about internal dissent within the party.

Absence of Incumbent MLAs Fuels Suspicion

The deliberate exclusion of sitting MLAs has been viewed by many as a significant signal. Political analysts point out that the presence of a large number of defeated leaders, including first-time candidates who lost in the 2024 elections, indicates possible coordination among those feeling sidelined within the party structure.

Party Leadership on Edge

The meeting has caused unease within BJD ranks, particularly in light of past instances where party president Naveen Patnaik had expressed displeasure over unsanctioned gatherings by party leaders. While there has been no official response from the party leadership so far, the development has added to the sense of instability following the party’s electoral setbacks.

Power Show or Casual Gathering?

Though leaders present at the venue maintained that the meeting was purely personal and non-political, political observers see it as a potential show of strength by aggrieved leaders. The scale of the gathering and its composition have led to speculation that discussions may have touched upon leadership issues, organisational restructuring, or future political strategies.

Signs of Turbulence Ahead for BJD

With the BJD grappling with defections and a weakening grassroots base after its 2024 electoral loss, the Chandaka meeting is being seen as a possible indicator of internal churn. As media attention converged on the event, the leadership’s insistence on its social nature did little to dispel doubts.

The episode suggests that the party may be heading into a challenging phase, with internal realignments and dissent likely to shape its political trajectory in the coming months.