After a brief lull, the question of leadership succession in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has once again sparked intense discussion within the party.
Junagarh MLA Divyashankar Mishra openly praised Bolangir MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, suggesting he has the capability to lead the state, which has reignited internal political chatter. Mishra’s remarks in support of Kalikesh triggered a wave of speculation, prompting reactions from senior leaders and a subsequent clarification from Mishra himself.
Following reported opposition from senior MLAs Arun Sahu and Ganeshwar Behera, Mishra issued a detailed clarification. Former MLA Devesh Acharya also publicly endorsed Kalikesh, further fuelling the debate.
In his statement, Divyashankar Mishra emphasised unwavering loyalty to party supremo Naveen Patnaik: “Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik is our most respected and unique leader. The people of Odisha love him immensely. Since the BJP government came to power, atrocities against women and children have increased, and the administration has failed to deliver justice to youth and farmers. In 2029, with the people’s blessings, Naveen Patnaik will once again become Chief Minister.”
Mishra explained that his comments were made while attending a football tournament in Bolangir as a chief guest. He praised Kalikesh as a national-level rifle shooter, President of the National Rifle Association of India, former MP, young MLA, accomplished sportsperson, and a potential role model for the youth generation. “He has the competence to provide leadership to the youth at the state level,” Mishra said, adding that Kalikesh’s grandfather had also served as Chief Minister. However, he insisted his words were being misinterpreted and reiterated that Naveen Patnaik remains the supreme and guiding leader for all party members, MLAs, MPs, and workers.
Meanwhile, former MLA Devesh Acharya strongly backed Kalikesh, stating: “Kalikesh has proven leadership abilities in both sports and politics. He has long experience – he has been to Parliament, elected MLA twice, and comes from a distinguished political family. His father late Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo was a former Chief Minister, and Nanga Uday Singh Deo is a senior party leader. We have high hopes and aspirations from Kalikesh.”
BJD disciplinary committee member Sarada Prasanna Jena downplayed the controversy, saying: “Divyashankar can best explain the context of his remarks. If the party wins, MLAs will choose the Chief Minister. Naveen Patnaik is fit and regularly consulting legislators. Discussions about succession are unnecessary – Naveen himself has said the people of Odisha will choose his successor.”
The episode has raised questions in political circles about who is pushing Kalikesh’s name and whether such public statements risk creating instability within the opposition party at a time when it is trying to rebuild after its 2024 electoral defeat.
