Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has suffered the first poll defeat since its formation after splitting away from the erstwhile Janata Dal in 1997. The party remained invincible for over two decades after coming to power riding on the popularity of Biju Patnaik in the 2000 Assembly elections.
On BJD’s poll debacle, party president Naveen Patnaik says, “In a democracy, you either win or lose. Having been defeated after a long time, we must always take the people’s verdict gracefully.”
On successor, Patnaik says, “I have said clearly that it is not VK Pandian. I repeat it that the people of Odisha will decide my successor.”
“…There has been some criticism of Mr Pandian. This is unfortunate…,” said Patnaik.
Patnaik expressed his appreciation to the people of Odisha for repeatedly entrusting their confidence in him. Additionally, he conveyed his gratitude for having the opportunity to serve the 4.5 crore family of Odisha.
Besides, the BJD Supremo also defended Pandian and praised him for his significant contribution towards the development of the state during his service as a bureaucrate and later as a party leader.
The party’s popularity can be gauged from the fact that BJD’s vote share in this election was 40.22 per cent which is higher than the vote share of BJP which stood at 40.07 per cent.
BJD President and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ruled the state for 24 years earning the honour of the second longest-serving Chief Minister in India. However, the party’s former alliance partner, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has put a break to its winning streak with a thumping win in the 2024 Assembly elections.
The BJP attacked Patnaik’s close aide Pandian by accusing him of using Patnaik in the poll campaign despite his poor health conditions.
