Senior BJD leader and former minister Raghunandan Das has hinted at his retirement from active politics, citing health issues as the primary reason.
Das, who recently underwent a kidney transplant, expressed his inability to dedicate more time to political activities due to his ongoing health concerns. He, however, reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty and support for the BJD.
Das clarified that dissatisfaction or rebellion against the party did not influence his decision, even though he did not receive a ticket for the upcoming elections. He stated, “If I were dissatisfied, I would have rebelled, and BJD would have faced defeat in Balikuda.”
The senior leader visited Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s residence recently, sparking speculation about his political future. However, Das explained that the visit was purely personal and not related to any political discussions. He emphasised his commitment to the party, saying, “My loyalty to BJD remains intact.”
The BJD executive committee meeting held recently saw key party leaders, including Debi Mishra, Pranab Prakash Das, Atanu Sabyasachi, Pratap Deb, and Arun Sahoo, discussing various issues. Das’s absence from the election ticket list was a topic of interest, but he maintained that his health was the sole reason for his reduced political activity.
As the political landscape in Odisha evolves, Das’s decision marks a significant moment for the BJD, highlighting the challenges faced by senior leaders in balancing health and political responsibilities.
