Amid ongoing discussions about new leadership and organisational changes in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a pre-New Year feast organised in Deras on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar has drawn significant attention.
Over 50 defeated and former MLAs from the party came together at the event, hosted by youth leader Chandra Sarathi Behera, sparking widespread speculation about internal realignments.
The gathering, described by some participants as a simple friends’ meet to bid farewell to 2025, featured candid expressions of discontent over the party’s organisational decisions. Former MLA Kishor Tarai vented frustration about the 2024 electoral setback, attributing it to a lack of active leadership at the top. “Any party needs strong leadership to move forward. When responsibility is handed over to others without personal involvement, supporters at the grassroots level lose faith and leave,” he said. Tarai criticised the allocation of tickets to outsiders while sidelining long-time loyal workers, warning that such mistakes should not be repeated to save the party.
Former MLA Sambit Routray downplayed any conspiracy, calling it a friendly gathering organised by Chandra Sarathi Behera. “Some anti-social elements tried to derail the BJD train, but the obstacles are being removed. We’re discussing how to strengthen the organisation moving forward,” he added.
Echoing calls for a generational shift, former MLA Prabhu Jani emphasised the need for youth leadership. “A new equation among young leaders starts today,” he declared, signalling potential emerging alliances.
Mahidhar Rana described the event as a friendly meet to welcome the New Year, expressing optimism that the discussions would bolster the party’s structure.
Prominent attendees included Priti Ranjan Ghadai, Rajendra Sahu, Chandra Sarathi Behera, Sambit Routray, Latika Pradhan, Prabhu Jani, Mahidhar Rana, Sanjay Das, Kishor Tarai, and many others.]
As the BJD grapples with its opposition role post the 2024 defeat, such gatherings highlight growing voices for introspection, youth empowerment, and structural reforms to regain ground in Odisha politics.
