The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Cuttack is grappling with deepening internal divisions, turning Naveen Patnaik’s 79th birthday celebrations into a showcase of discord. While party supporters chanted slogans in honour of their leader, influential local figures exchanged barbs, sidelining the values of unity Patnaik cherishes and exposing cracks that threaten the party’s power, post, and stability.

Birthday Celebrations Marred by Dispute

The tension escalated on October 16, when district leaders, led by Mayor Subas Singh and Zilla Parishad Chairman Prafulla Singh, organized a modest birthday tribute at an orphanage in the CDA area. Corporators, workers, and supporters gathered to distribute fruits and cut a cake. However, simultaneous events at different locations disrupted the harmony of the occasion.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray, a former Cuttack MLA, chose a separate path. He visited the district headquarters hospital, distributed fruits to patients, and extended birthday wishes to Patnaik. Soon, cordial gestures gave way to sharp criticism. Samantaray dismissed the orphanage event as a “fake” celebration, calling Singh and Prafulla “low-level leaders” lacking the humanity to invite him.

Clash of Leaders Intensifies

Mayor Singh responded swiftly, questioning Samantaray’s remarks: “If the mayor and ZP chairman are low-level, what does that make him?” Singh emphasized that the district unit programme was official and attended by key personnel, except Samantaray. He added that the high command would decide on Samantaray’s statements, hinting at potential action from the party leadership.

Growing Factionalism Threatens Party Unity

This incident highlights the long-standing factionalism in Cuttack BJD, previously visible through disputes over projects like the Petanala drain and protest attendances. With Patnaik not directly in local control, discontent is growing, and once-united ranks are splintering into rival groups. Questions loom over whether the party veteran can restore unity before the next elections.

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Suspension Sparks Social Media Storm

After being suspended for alleged anti-party activities, Odisha political figure Shreemayee Mishra has launched a series of provocative social media posts targeting the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). In her posts, she compared party leaders to Mahabharata’s Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana and referred to a “fraudulent saint” from the web series Aashram, widely interpreted as indirect jabs at BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and his close aide VK Pandian. The party had previously cautioned her against such posts, and her suspension has reignited discussions of internal discord.

Mishra Calls Suspension “Laughable”

Mishra dismissed her suspension as “laughable”, explaining that she had not renewed her party membership for a year and had not been active in the BJD. She criticized Patnaik for remaining silent when she endured insults from senior members, including being called “Surpanakha.” Describing Patnaik as a father figure, she expressed her disappointment at his response: “It happens in politics.” She also challenged the party to provide her membership details, questioning the leadership’s handling of her case.

BJD Defends Its Position

In response, BJD leaders Snehangini Chhuria and Lelin Mohanty held a press conference, presenting photos and videos showing Mishra’s regular presence at party events. The party branded her as an instigator attempting to divert attention by playing the “victim card”, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining party unity.

Public War of Words

The conflict has escalated into a public war of words, exposing cracks within the BJD and fueling speculation about Mishra’s next political move. Observers are now closely watching how both sides manage this internal dispute and its potential impact on the party ahead of upcoming political challenges.

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