BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik Confronts Champua MLA Sana Mahakud Over Absence, Questions BJP Switch

Bhubaneswar: BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Thursday reprimanded Champua MLA Sana Mahakud for skipping the party’s legislature meeting, pointedly asking if he was leaning towards the BJP.

In a rare direct exchange, Patnaik confronted Mahakud outside the State Legislative Assembly before the budget session, questioning his absence from Wednesday’s BJD legislators’ meeting.

When asked about his absence, Mahakud claimed he was unwell, but Patnaik dismissed the explanation, asking, “Arey, are you leaning towards BJP?”

The remark has sparked speculation about Mahakud’s political future, especially amid several high-profile BJD defections to the BJP.

Patnaik’s pointed remark indicates the BJD leadership’s awareness of internal shifts, particularly after two Rajya Sabha MPs and multiple panchayat committee chiefs recently switched allegiance to the BJP.

With Odisha’s political landscape in flux, Mahakud’s response—and any future moves—will be closely watched.