BJD defections Archives - Odisha Connect

Speculation Grows Over Former BJD MLA Prabhat Biswal Joining BJP; Son Spotted at Party Office

OdishaConnect — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:05:41 +0000

Political speculation has intensified in Odisha over the possible entry of former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Prabhat Biswal into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The buzz gained momentum after Choudwar-Cuttack BJD MLA Souvik Biswal, Prabhat Biswal’s son, was seen at the BJP’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

Souvik Biswal’s presence at the BJP office has triggered fresh discussions in political circles. Party insiders believe he may have visited the office to review preparations for a possible induction ceremony, with reports suggesting that Prabhat Biswal could formally join the BJP on Saturday. However, no official confirmation has been issued by either party.

The development comes at a time when the BJD is making efforts to prevent resignations by party workers and leaders in the Choudwar region. Senior BJD leaders have reportedly intensified outreach initiatives amid concerns that Prabhat Biswal’s possible exit could trigger a wave of defections.

According to party sources, BJD Vice-President Debi Mishra recently visited Choudwar and held discussions with local leaders and workers to persuade them to remain with the party. On Friday, BJD president Naveen Patnaik also met district leaders, the Choudwar Municipality Chairperson and party workers at Naveen Niwas to assess the political situation and discuss measures to maintain organisational unity.

Despite these efforts, reports indicate that resignations by some local BJD workers have continued, adding to the party’s concerns.

Political observers believe that if Prabhat Biswal joins the BJP, hundreds of his supporters and several local councillors may also switch allegiance, potentially altering the political landscape in Choudwar ahead of future elections.

Reacting to the speculation, BJP MLA Babu Singh said the party’s central leadership would take the final decision on any new induction.

“The BJP is the world’s largest political party. The party president and top leadership decide who joins the party. If Prabhat Biswal joins the BJP, there is no problem. Many leaders have joined the BJP in the past,” he said.

While the political buzz continues, both the BJP and BJD are yet to make any official announcement regarding Prabhat Biswal’s future political move.

The post Speculation Grows Over Former BJD MLA Prabhat Biswal Joining BJP; Son Spotted at Party Office appeared first on Odisha Connect.

BJD’s Jajpur Stronghold Crumbles: Why Is Top Leader Babi Staying Silent Amid Mass Exodus?

OdishaConnect — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:52:52 +0000

Several BJD members, ranging from block-level leaders to district council representatives, have defected to the BJP in recent months. Areas such as Badachana, Sukinda, Korei, and Dharmasala have been most affected, with the BJP making steady inroads.

Notably, Nalini Prabha Jena, district council president from Zone 3 in Korei, and Ganeshwar Baral, district council vice-president in Badachana, joined the BJP, alarming local BJD cadres. In total, 18 district council members have left the party, signalling significant organizational instability.

Babi’s Silence Sparks Concern

Despite being the central figure in Jajpur’s BJD setup, Babi has remained notably quiet amid the defections. While he has focused on his own constituency, Bari, and his mother’s election campaign in Korei, he has not actively intervened in other areas facing turmoil.

This silence has raised eyebrows among both local leaders and state-level BJD officials. Party members are questioning his grip on the organization, particularly after prominent leaders switched sides without apparent consultation.

State Leaders Step In

Former Sukinda MLA Pritiranjan Ghadai, also known as Dani, has stepped up to address the situation. He has engaged with the media, highlighting plans to reorganize the district setup and reportedly convinced at least one member to return to the BJD fold.

Meanwhile, Dharmasala MLA Himanshu Sekhar Sahu and others have demonstrated their ability to weaken the BJD’s local presence, intensifying the party’s challenges in Jajpur.

Organizational Stability at Risk

Babi’s restrained approach is fueling speculation about internal tensions within the Jajpur BJD. Questions persist over how senior leaders could leave without his knowledge and whether his quiet stance signals discontent or a strategic message to state leaders.

As local elections draw near, the BJD faces mounting pressure to stabilize its leadership and prevent further erosion of its influence in one of Odisha’s key districts. Party insiders are now closely watching Babi’s next moves to determine whether he can restore confidence and maintain control in Jajpur.

The post BJD’s Jajpur Stronghold Crumbles: Why Is Top Leader Babi Staying Silent Amid Mass Exodus? appeared first on Odisha Connect.

BJD’s Loyalty Meltdown: Top Guns Desert Naveen’s Ship, Who’s Next?

OdishaConnect — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:16:32 +0000

The political landscape in Odisha has been rocked by the departure of three senior BJD leaders: N Bhaskar Rao, Lal Bihari Himirika, and Prafull Kumar Mallik. Once loyal followers of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, their exit has sparked speculation about a larger exodus from the party. With student leader Harishankar Rout also reportedly distancing himself, the number of high-profile departures could soon rise to four, a scenario unthinkable just months ago when BJD maintained tight control.

High-Profile Defections Signal Internal Weakness

These leaders are not minor figures. Rao, a Rajya Sabha nominee, and Himirika, a former minister, openly challenged the party leadership, criticizing its direction following electoral defeats. Mallik, former minister and ex-Kamakhyanagar MLA, cited BJD’s underwhelming performance in opposition as the reason for his disengagement, having already distanced himself from party events before the formal split.

Speculations About the Next Departures

Political insiders are now closely watching other senior figures. Bhupinder Singh, an outspoken Kalahandi leader, has repeatedly threatened to resign, fueling rumors of a potential return to Congress. Observers suggest Singh’s threats may be aimed at securing a Rajya Sabha nomination. Rejected previously for an assembly ticket, Singh might leave permanently if his demands are unmet.

Similarly, Shashibhushan Behera, a senior ex-minister and close ally of the top leadership, has grown increasingly critical of the party. Holding grudges over perceived neglect in the last Vidhan Sabha elections, his discontent may intensify in BJD’s new role in opposition. Analysts warn that more defections could follow, destabilizing alliances ahead of future elections.

Personal Ambitions and Internal Strife

The recent departures highlight the tension between personal ambitions and party loyalty. Once a hallmark of BJD’s internal discipline, commitment now seems overshadowed by dissatisfaction and bitterness. As the party navigates its transformation in opposition, the political corridors of Odisha are abuzz, waiting for the next “domino” to fall.

The post BJD’s Loyalty Meltdown: Top Guns Desert Naveen’s Ship, Who’s Next? appeared first on Odisha Connect.