The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has yet to finalise its stance on the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, as no concrete decision emerged from the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting held at Naveen Niwas on Saturday.
According to reliable sources, BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik listened to the opinions of PAC members but emphasised that he would make a final decision at the appropriate time, keeping the interests of the state and the party in mind.
During the meeting, all PAC members reportedly favoured maintaining equidistance from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and not extending support to its candidate. While some leaders suggested abstaining from the election altogether, others advised against backing the NDA. After hearing all perspectives, Patnaik reiterated his commitment to prioritising Odisha’s and the party’s interests in the decision-making process. The meeting also touched upon the party’s strategy for the upcoming Odisha Legislative Assembly session.
Senior BJD leader Pramila Mallik, addressing the media after the meeting, confirmed that PAC members shared their views on the Vice-Presidential election. “The members conveyed their opinions, and Naveen Babu informed us that he will decide at the right time,” Mallik said. The over-hour-long meeting also saw Patnaik issuing key directives to strengthen the party’s youth, student, and women’s wings, as well as fortifying its grassroots presence.
Additionally, Naveen instructed party leaders to raise critical issues in the upcoming Assembly session, including atrocities against Dalits, tribals, and women, as well as disruptions during Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra.
