Odisha politics has long been a high-stakes arena, but no one navigates it quite like Naveen Patnaik. Over nearly three decades, Patnaik has run the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) with a personal set of rules about loyalty. Favor with him translates to praise, while falling out of favor often earns the label of “betrayer.” Yet, even those branded disloyal can find themselves back in the fold if circumstances demand it — a political cycle likened to a game of snakes and ladders.
A Legacy of Selective Praise and Strategic Branding
Throughout the BJD’s 30-year journey, Patnaik has consistently shaped reputations to fit his narrative. Senior leaders and promising newcomers alike may eventually be cast aside, sometimes for reasons that appear arbitrary.
Critics note that Patnaik rarely acknowledges contributions from party members, except for VK Pandian, whom he continues to publicly praise, even after electoral defeats. This selective credit reinforces the perception that loyalty to Patnaik, rather than broader leadership ability, determines political survival within the BJD.
Double Standards and Political Contradictions
Observers point to several instances of double standards:
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Jay Dholakia was labeled a betrayer despite never receiving a BJD ticket.
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Tusharkanti Behera, poached from the BJP in 2019 for a BJD ticket, was welcomed, highlighting inconsistency in defining betrayal.
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The 2024 elections saw multiple sitting MLAs dropped — Amar Satpathy, Samir Dash, Siddhant Mahapatra, Akash Das Nayak — who were promptly branded traitors when seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Such contradictions illustrate the personalized and often unpredictable nature of Patnaik’s political management.
The BJD’s Rotating List of Disloyal Leaders
Over the years, the party has witnessed numerous instances of leaders being expelled and later reinstated:
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Prashant Nanda, once ousted over corruption charges, returned as an MP.
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Prabhat Biswal and Bibhuti Balabantray, initially suspended for siding with Pyarimohan Mohapatra, later received tickets in elections.
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Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and others experienced a similar cycle of expulsion and reinstatement.
This revolving-door approach to loyalty highlights a recurring theme: Patnaik remains the ultimate arbiter of political fate within the BJD.
Impact on Party Strength and Opposition Role
While most regional parties revolve around charismatic leaders, Patnaik’s approach of repeatedly branding colleagues as villains or traitors has affected the BJD’s bench strength. After 24 years in power, the party struggles to cultivate new leaders, and as opposition, it is grappling to establish a clear political footprint. Critics argue that this personalization of politics limits the BJD’s long-term stability and growth.
Looking Ahead: Loyalty or Leadership Crisis?
As Odisha’s political landscape evolves, questions arise about the sustainability of Patnaik’s leadership style. Can a party aiming for a comeback continue to function under such a loyalty-centric, personality-driven model? Or is this approach deepening internal instability?
For now, the loyalty game continues, keeping both supporters and critics guessing about who will rise, who will fall, and who will be welcomed back into the fold.