“Who is Prabhat Bishwal?”: BJD High Command Hits Back at Senior Leader’s Rebellion

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), long regarded as one of Odisha’s most disciplined political outfits, is witnessing an unusual and public internal rebellion following its latest Rajya Sabha nominations. The selection of former corporate executive Santrupt Misra and Dr. Dattheshwar Hota has triggered sharp reactions from within the party, exposing cracks in what was once seen as a tightly controlled organisation.

Nomination Sparks Internal Storm

The controversy erupted soon after party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik finalised the names for the Upper House elections. While the leadership projected the move as a strategic decision, sections of the party rank and file viewed it as sidelining long-time loyalists.

The political temperature rose dramatically at Naveen Niwas, the Chief Minister’s residence, where senior leaders gathered amid growing tension over the nominations.

“One-Sided Decision”: The Bishwal Rebellion

Senior BJD leader and former MLA Prabhat Bishwal, accompanied by his son and MLA Souvic Bishwal, reached Naveen Niwas to formally protest the selection. An emotional Prabhat publicly criticised the nomination of Santrupt Misra, arguing that party workers who had dedicated years to strengthening the organisation were being overlooked.

He accused the leadership of taking a “one-sided decision” without adequate grassroots consultation. Warning of possible distancing from party affairs if concerns were ignored, he said loyal workers were being sidelined in favour of individuals with limited organisational involvement.

The remarks marked a rare instance of open dissent within the BJD, a party known for its centralised decision-making structure.

Debasish Samantaray’s Sharp Counterattack

The rebellion quickly drew a fierce response from Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray. Launching a blistering counterattack, Samantaray dismissed Prabhat Bishwal’s objections and questioned his political standing.

In strongly worded remarks, Samantaray referred to Bishwal’s alleged past controversies and criticised his repeated targeting of Naveen Patnaik. He also asserted that Dr. Hota’s victory in the Rajya Sabha election was “certain,” signalling the leadership’s confidence in its legislative strength.

Reports of heated exchanges and minor scuffles at Naveen Niwas further highlighted the intensity of the confrontation.

A Party at Crossroads?

Despite the public spat, the BJD leadership remains confident of securing the required numbers in the Rajya Sabha polls. However, the exchange of sharp accusations — ranging from claims of “dictatorial decisions” to references to alleged past misconduct — underscores simmering dissatisfaction within sections of the party.

Political observers note that while Naveen Patnaik’s decisions have often been described as calculated “masterstrokes,” the latest move appears to have unsettled some long-standing leaders. Whether the internal discord will subside after the elections or leave lasting fissures within the regional powerhouse remains to be seen.