The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing internal unrest following the recent announcement of revamped committees for its youth and student wings, Biju Yuva Janata Dal and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal.
Party members have voiced strong allegations that dedicated, long-serving workers have been sidelined in favour of less experienced individuals, sparking widespread dissatisfaction.
The discontent came to a head during a gathering at Telengapentha Farmhouse in Cuttack, where senior BJD leaders convened with youth and student representatives to air their grievances. Attendees included Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantray, Banki MLA Devi Ranjan Tripathy, former MLA Pushpendra Singh Deo, Sambit Routray, Anshuman Mohanty, Bishnubrata Routray, and Rudra Maharathy, among others.
The newly formed committees comprise 160 youth leaders and 145 student leaders, positioned as part of the party’s ongoing reorganisation efforts to inject fresh energy. However, this move has particularly irked members in the Cuttack Barabati area, where locals feel their contributions have been overlooked.
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Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantray attributed the decisions to “someone who has retired from politics,” claiming that loyal workers who functioned as the “arms of the party” have been pushed aside. He highlighted BJD’s strong performance in the recent Cuttack mayor elections, where the party secured 28 out of 31 seats, yet argued that the roles of local youth and student leaders were ignored. Samantray questioned the knowledge of appointed leaders like Chinmay and Ipsita regarding Cuttack Barabati affairs, warning that such selections could weaken the organisation’s foundation. He clarified that the meeting was not an anti-party activity but a “friends’ gathering” focused on future strategies, emphasising his responsibility to unite all workers. Samantray also took a swipe at Prabhat Biswal for praising the Pandian couple.
Echoing similar sentiments, Banki MLA Devi Ranjan Tripathy expressed frustration over the neglect of veteran party workers who have toiled for years without recognition. He alleged that student leaders from Bhadrak were inexplicably assigned positions in Cuttack, a move he believes will further erode the party’s strength. Tripathy stated that the high command would be apprised of these issues to address the growing concerns.
This episode underscores potential fractures within BJD as it navigates internal dynamics amid broader political challenges in Odisha. Party sources indicate that while the reorganisation aims to bolster grassroots engagement, it risks alienating core supporters if grievances remain unaddressed.
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