In the midst of intense political buzz over the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik had summoned a crucial meeting of the party’s MLAs at his residence on Friday evening.
The gathering was expected to discuss the Rajya Sabha polls and other organisational matters. However, the meeting was reportedly cancelled at the last minute, leaving MLAs surprised and without any formal interaction with the BJD supremo.
According to party sources, MLAs and MLAs-elect began arriving at Naveen Niwas from 5 PM as instructed. Over 35 legislators gathered and waited for more than an hour, but no official meeting took place. There was no direct discussion with Naveen Patnaik either. The lawmakers were merely served tea and sandwiches before being told to return on Saturday at 11:30 AM for the rescheduled meeting.
Some MLAs who spoke to the media after leaving Naveen Niwas claimed the brief interaction focused solely on strengthening the party organisation.
Puri MLA Sunil Mohanty and Basta MLA Subasini Jena said no discussion on Rajya Sabha elections took place.
Bhograi MLA Gautam Buddha Das and senior legislator Arun Sahu echoed the same, adding that Naveen Patnaik inquired about constituency-level issues and organisational matters.
The last-minute cancellation has triggered speculation within party circles. Out of 48 BJD MLAs, around 10-12 were absent, which is being cited as one possible reason. Another theory suggests Naveen Patnaik decided to wait for the BJP to reveal its strategy first. Notably, although BJD has staked claim on six Rajya Sabha seats, the party is yet to collect any proposer signatures as of Friday.
Interestingly, the BJD’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) had met on Thursday and delegated full decision-making powers to Naveen Patnaik regarding the Rajya Sabha polls. Rumours are also circulating that the party may field an external political personality as a candidate.
The rescheduled meeting on Saturday morning is now being keenly watched as the party finalises its strategy for the biennial elections to the Upper House.
