A controversial bill aiming to triple the salaries, allowances, and pensions of Odisha MLAs passed the state Assembly on December 9, triggering widespread public backlash. The bill was approved by a majority of 146 legislators from various parties, while CPI(M) legislator Laxman Munda voted against it, earning praise from the public for opposing the hike.

Public Anger Over Timing

The bill’s passage coincided with protests by teachers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA staff, and school support personnel at Kalinga Stadium, who were demanding better pay and benefits. Citizens criticized the move as insensitive, questioning the timing of a pay hike for MLAs while frontline workers struggled in harsh conditions.

BJD Reverses Its Stand

In response to growing discontent, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which had initially supported the bill, has now changed its stance. BJD chief and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging a review of the bill. Patnaik, known for donating his MLA salary to public welfare, cited public opinion as a key reason for reconsideration.

Congress and BJP Positions Unclear

The controversy has shifted attention to Congress and BJP legislators, whose positions on the bill remain unknown. Political analysts note that other parties may either follow the BJD’s example and reject the hike or face further erosion of public trust if they continue to support it.

Calls for Political Accountability

The salary hike debate has sparked wider discussions on political accountability, with citizens questioning whether their elected representatives are prioritizing public welfare over personal gains. Odisha’s electorate is now closely watching how parties respond to the growing controversy.

The post Odisha Assembly’s Salary Hike Bill Sparks Uproar, BJD Backtracks Amid Public Outrage appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Internal strife within the Odisha Congress continues as AICC member Mohammed Moquim has filed a complaint against PCC President Bhakta Charan Das, accusing him of making politically motivated statements and denouncing some leaders as “Vibhishana” (traitors) following the party’s poor performance in the Nuapada by-polls.

Complaint Against PCC Chief

In a letter to state disciplinary committee chairperson Sujit Padhi, Moquim charged that Das had refused to accept moral responsibility for the by-poll defeat—where Congress nominee Ghasiram Majhi lost by over 83,000 votes to the BJP winner—and victimised loyal workers without evidence.

Moquim claimed that some media reports named him as a saboteur, which he described as “baseless, fabricated and party-damaging”. He demanded strict action against Das under the party constitution for anti-party activities.

Disciplinary Committee Responds

Reacting to the complaint, Sujit Padhi rejected the allegations, asserting that Bhakta Das had spoken in general terms about internal sabotage and did not name any individual. An inquiry has been initiated, and the response has been communicated to Moquim. The committee clarified that complaints against the PCC chief fall under the domain of the AICC.

Support for Moquim

Former PCC president Jaydev Jena backed Moquim, calling him a man dedicated to brotherhood and party unity, and stated that such controversies should not be dragged against him.

Ghasiram Majhi, the defeated candidate, also echoed concerns, accusing the party of deliberate rigging and “Jaichand-like” betrayal, while pledging to work toward strengthening the party.

Upcoming Review Meeting Adds Pressure

The ongoing infighting has raised concerns ahead of a review meeting scheduled on November 23, where Bhakta Das will meet with the AICC in-charge to discuss the party’s current status and potentially face reprimands over internal issues.

The post Vibhishana Storm in Odisha Congress: Moquim Hits Back at Bhakta Das Over Nuapada Defeat Blame appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Social Media Outburst Targets BJD Power Couple

Firebrand political commentator Shreemayee Mishra has launched a blistering attack on former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian and his wife, Sujata R. Kartikeyan, alleging that the duo is plotting a “backdoor takeover” of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The controversy erupted after reports surfaced about their upcoming visit to Nuapada, a BJD stronghold, triggering political ripples across Odisha.

“BJD Is Like the Titanic,” Says Mishra

Taking to Facebook, Mishra drew a dramatic comparison between the BJD and the ill-fated Titanic, alleging that internal conspiracies were being woven to sink the party from within. She claimed that “power brokers” around Shakti Nani — a veiled reference to Sujata Kartikeyan — were lobbying to secure her a Rajya Sabha seat, thereby altering the party’s power structure.

Mishra’s post read like a political allegory: “No maternal domestic awaits in Nuapada, nor paternal hearth in Kendrapara — only never-ending drama.” She questioned Pandian’s political legitimacy with a sharp jab — “How can one who grew up on the waters of Jharkhand understand the Odia pulse?”

Attack on “Sycophants” and the “Hijack Plan”

Mishra accused a section of Nuapada-based BJD leaders of acting as “sycophants” eager to anoint Sujata as the heir apparent, even as senior figures like Subhadra Mata remain untouchable in party hierarchy. Referring to a viral hospital video showing local supporters praising Sujata, Mishra wrote:

“We threw out the Tamil son; what reverence remains for the wife of the Tamil son?”

She alleged that the “hijack plan” of the BJD was being executed through the induction of Sujata into key political activities, effectively sidelining long-time loyalists who had served the party for decades.

Past Criticism and Ganjam Connection

This is not Mishra’s first outburst against the BJD’s inner circle. In an earlier post, she blamed the rot in the party’s leadership on an “overlord from Ganjam,” whom she accused of settling personal scores and sabotaging the careers of loyal party workers. “Time, the great equaliser, will soon take its toll on these misdeeds,” she wrote, hinting at internal rivalries festering within the organisation.

Political Ripples Ahead of Nuapada Visit

The remarks have come at a politically sensitive moment as Pandian and Sujata are reportedly set to tour Nuapada, a district symbolic of both loyalty and unrest within the BJD cadre. Mishra’s remarks have fueled speculation about a realignment within the party and growing dissatisfaction among grassroots members.

Observers note that as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik continues to insist that “the people will choose his successor,” the party appears divided between old-guard loyalists and new power centres. Mishra’s comments, while controversial, have once again exposed the deep undercurrents shaping Odisha’s political narrative in the post-Naveen era.

The post Shreemayee Mishra Launches Fierce Attack on V.K. Pandian and Sujata Kartikeyan appeared first on Odisha Connect.

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.

The post From Ally to Rebel: Shreemayee Mishra Challenges BJD’s Patnaik-Pandian Duo appeared first on Odisha Connect.

Shreemayee Mishra Stirs Controversy Again

Senior BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra has once again created ripples in Odisha’s political circles. Through a social media post, she invoked the metaphor of a “fake monk”, which many interpret as a veiled critique of her party’s leadership. This comes soon after her earlier controversial reference to the “Dhritarashtra narrative”, which had already drawn attention within the party.

Inspiration from a Web Series

In her latest post, Mishra reflected on a web series directed by Bollywood filmmaker Prakash Jha, streamed on an OTT platform. While praising the actors and the depth of the story on themes of renunciation and asceticism, she quickly shifted her remarks toward philosophical and political reflections.

The Metaphor of the “Fake Monk”

Mishra emphasized that society holds monks and ascetics in high regard for giving up worldly attachments. However, when such renunciation is hypocritical or insincere, people brand them as “fake monks.” Drawing a parallel with the present, she suggested that many who claim detachment are, in reality, seeking spotlight and comfort.

Her sharpest remark came in the line:

“Some chant the name of Jagannath for others but end up falling themselves.”
A statement widely viewed as a subtle jab at certain BJD leaders.

Political Undertones and Reactions

Mishra has a reputation for indirect yet biting criticism of the party’s top brass. Despite being surrounded by controversies, she has consistently spoken her mind. With her latest comments, the BJD leadership now faces a dilemma — should it discipline her or ignore her words? The party’s response could determine the next chapter of internal dynamics.

Spirituality and Hypocrisy in Focus

Beyond politics, Mishra’s post touched on the changing spiritual landscape. She praised true ascetics who embody wisdom, sacrifice, and devotion — meditating under trees and riversides, seeking higher truths, and praying for universal welfare. In contrast, she denounced pseudo-ascetics whose actions contradict their words.

Morality, Leadership, and Metaphors

By merging spiritual philosophy with political allegory, Shreemayee Mishra has reignited debates about morality, leadership, and hypocrisy within public life. Her words continue to resonate, leaving both party insiders and the public questioning the future of the BJD’s internal cohesion.

The post Shreemayee Mishra’s “Fake Monk” Post Stirs Fresh Controversy in BJD appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The Khurda District and Sessions Court has granted bail to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Jagannath Pradhan, who was among the persons against whom high-profile assault case involving Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo case was registered. Pradhan, who was nabbed in June 29, 2025, was granted bail on a surety bond of 30,000 rupees and personal surety, his legal representative said on Wednesday.

The origins of the case lie in a violent act on June 30, 2025, when a group of people supposedly assaulted Sahoo since he was addressing a public grievance hearing at the BMC office. Police helmet camera footage of the assault, in which the senior officer is dragged and beaten, was released, and became viral, creating a feeling of widespread outrage. The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association termed Pradhan as the man behind the attack and wanted him to be arrested immediately. This prompted their demonstrations and a statewide cease-work protest, which disrupted the administrative activities till Pradhan gave himself up at the Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) station on July 3, 2025.

Grave Accusations and First Reversal
After his arrest, the Commissionerate Police booked Pradhan under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including the laws enshrined in assaulting a public servant, causing grievous hurt, and obstructing government work. The court dismissed his earlier plea to grant bail and remanded him to a 14-day judicial custody in the Jharpada Special Jail.

Not to be denied, a legal battalion led by Pradhan appealed the case to the Khurda District and Sessions Court. On July 8, 2025, Tuesday, the court listened to the arguments, and considered the case diary. It was the failure by the prosecution to provide crucial evidence which included a phone conversation between Pradhan and Sahoo according to his advocate Suresh Kumar Sahoo which undermined their case. The next day the court granted him bail and this was a momentary reprieve to the BJP leader.

Political Fall-Out and Continued Tensions
The event has been a political hot spot in Odisha. Protests of the OAS Association also forefronted the safety of the public servants and opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), blamed the BJP led government in protecting Pradhan prima facie. In its turn, the BJP suspended five of its party workers who were reportedly involved in the assault and insisted that the case was politicized to blacken the name of the party. The former corporator Pradhan, who lost the 2024 Bhubaneswar Central assembly election narrowly, has persistently denied that he, in person, had direct involvement, and maintained that the allegation was part of a wider conspiracy to tar him and his party.

With Pradhan out on walk, the question now arises of what the next step in the investigation will be, and when the bail of five other suspects will be heard, following on July 15, 2025. The case brings political accountability and protection of government officials to a new level in the state of Odisha as both sides put on guard awaiting the outcome.

The post Odisha BJP Leader Jagannath Pradhan Granted Bail in BMC Assault Case appeared first on Odisha Connect.

The ongoing Income Tax Department raids targeting the family of late Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das have entered their fifth day, intensifying political unease in Western Odisha. The operations, which began on June 19, have led to unrest among Das’s loyalists and exposed growing fractures within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

A total of 19 locations have been searched so far—including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bhubaneswar, and Delhi—focusing on alleged tax evasion linked to coal and ash transport businesses operated by Das’s family and associate Sanjay Nanda.

Massive Search Operation Targets Das’s Immediate Family

The raids have involved 220 officials, a scientific team, and 40 CRPF personnel. Properties linked to Das’s wife Minati, his brother and contractor Braja Kishore Das, daughter Deepali Das, and son Bishal Das were searched extensively. This marks the third such operation in 2024, following previous raids in January and ahead of the general elections.

Supporters Voice Anger Over BJD’s Silence

The raids have triggered resentment among Das’s supporters, especially those involved in the 2023 Jharsuguda by-election, where his daughter Deepali contested. Frustration spilled onto social media platforms and WhatsApp groups tied to Team Deepali Das, Jharsuguda Zilla Parishad BJD, and Jharsuguda Municipality BJD. Many supporters questioned why the BJD leadership, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, remained silent.

“Our leader’s son Bishal is under pressure from the BJP government, yet the BJD has not spoken up,” read one message. Calls to exit the BJD gained traction, with some users suggesting Deepali and Bishal might switch to Congress, where Naba Das had once been a prominent figure before joining the BJD in 2019.

Local Leaders and Opposition React

Jharsuguda BJD president Harish Ganatra declined to comment directly on the raids, stating that it was inappropriate to speak while the matter was ongoing. He also dismissed speculation about Deepali or Bishal leaving the party, calling it unfounded.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sura Routray criticized the raids as politically motivated and undemocratic. His comments were widely welcomed by Das’s supporters, further fuelling speculation of a possible shift in political loyalties.

Legacy of Naba Das and Political Repercussions

The raids come amid renewed attention to the legacy of Naba Kishore Das, who was assassinated by a police officer on January 29, 2023, in Brajrajnagar. The Odisha Police reopened the investigation in March 2025 following a request from the Das family during a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The silence from the BJD high command is deepening tensions with Das’s support base, who perceive the raids as targeted harassment under the BJP-led state government. With Deepali Das emerging as a political force in Jharsuguda, these developments could significantly reshape the region’s political landscape and diminish the BJD’s influence in Western Odisha.

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