Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik was rushed to SUM Ultimate Hospital after a sudden deterioration in his health. The 78-year-old opposition leader, known for his composed and stoic personality, is undergoing treatment on the third floor of the private hospital. His illness has not only alarmed party leaders but also intensified latent internal divisions within the BJD.
Commotion in Hospital Corridors
Soon after the news broke, BJD leaders began rushing to the hospital. By evening, the second floor was crowded with concerned party members keeping anxious watch. According to party insiders, the tension reached its peak around 7:30 p.m. when senior IAS officer Sujata Kartikeyan arrived with a team of doctors and made her way to Patnaik’s ward. Party leaders stood up in respect, but mere courtesies did not suffice for everyone.
Ranendra Swain Seeks Answers
Veteran leader Ranendra Pratap Swain confronted Kartikeyan, demanding clarity on why Patnaik was brought to the hospital so late despite reportedly being unwell for the past two days. Swain also questioned why leaders of other parties had not been kept informed. Kartikeyan, however, avoided responding and proceeded upstairs, further fuelling speculation.
Congress Chief Denied Entry
The drama escalated further when Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Bhakta Charan Das arrived to meet Patnaik. He was categorically denied permission, reportedly on the instructions of Patnaik’s close aide, V.K. Pandian. A visibly displeased Das left the hospital, but the incident created ripples in the political circle.
Pandian’s Sharp Warning
Later, an agitated V.K. Pandian descended to the second floor, where BJD leaders were gathered, and delivered a stern warning. “I can expel anyone from the party in one minute,” he declared, a remark widely interpreted as a veiled threat aimed at Ranendra Pratap Swain. Sources suggested that possible disciplinary action could be on the cards.
Leadership Questions Loom
Patnaik’s hospitalisation comes at a crucial juncture when the BJD is adjusting to its role as the principal opposition after the recent assembly elections. While doctors have not issued any official medical bulletin, party insiders describe his condition as stable but under close monitoring. However, whispers of an internal power struggle and potential leadership shifts have gained momentum following Sunday’s episode.
Political Stakes Beyond Health
As the night unfolded, the hospital remained abuzz with quiet discussions and restless faces peering for updates. Patnaik’s health, observers note, is no longer just a personal matter—it has become a litmus test for the BJD’s unity and the larger political landscape of Odisha.