Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former minister Badri Narayan Patra has once again targeted the party’s internal “coterie” without naming names, holding them responsible for the BJD’s massive defeat in the recent elections.
In a sharp, indirect criticism widely seen as aimed at former bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian and his close associates, Patra alleged that certain individuals distanced party supremo Naveen Patnaik from the people, leading to the electoral disaster.
Speaking to media persons, Patra emphasised that Naveen Patnaik remains immensely popular among the masses. “The election results themselves prove that Naveen Patnaik is a beloved leader. People searched for Naveen, but some acted like him—travelling in helicopters, delivering speeches from pandals, and positioning themselves as his alternatives. The voters clearly said: no Naveen, no vote,” he stated.
Patra accused the coterie of weakening the leader by keeping him away from direct public contact. “Those who weakened the leader—we want to highlight that. The party is going through a turbulent phase. Reconciliation isn’t happening easily, but efforts are on to bring the party back on track, strengthen the leadership, and restore its former position. This is a positive initiative. At the same time, attempts are being made to keep those creating roadblocks away from the party,” he added.
Responding to the ongoing internal discussions, BJD MLA Ganeswar Behera downplayed any major rift, stating that differences exist in every party—some visible, some not. “Leaders’ meeting is not an issue; no one is barred. If needed, they will join. The discipline committee is watching indiscipline. Naveen Patnaik is the sole leader of the party. If someone capable like Sujata (likely referring to speculations around Sujata Karthikeyan) joins, the party will decide based on experience and ability,” Behera said, adding that premature discussions on leadership changes are unwarranted.
Patra’s remarks come amid growing voices within the BJD calling for introspection post the 2024 poll debacle, where the party lost power after 24 years. Analysts see this as part of simmering discontent over the perceived overreach of Pandian and his group during the campaign, when Naveen Patnaik’s limited public appearances became a point of criticism.
The BJD is currently focused on organisational revival, but such public barbs highlight the challenges in unifying the rank and file as it prepares for future battles in opposition.
