Following a humiliating defeat in the Nuapada by-election, cracks are emerging within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as senior leaders voice growing dissatisfaction with the party’s internal management and direction.
Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has formally rejected his appointment as vice-president of the party’s senior citizens’ cell, describing it as “insulting” in a strongly worded letter to BJD president Naveen Patnaik.
In his letter, dated from May, Samantaray expressed his inability to accept the position, arguing that such bureaucratic-sounding roles demean long-time loyalists and Biju Patnaik admirers who have dedicated years to the party. He raised concerns about the BJD’s shift away from its foundational legacy, stating, “I doubt if there is space in the BJD for legendary figure Biju Babu or your loyalists. The party is drifting from the Biju legacy and adopting a different ideology, principles, and programs.” Despite his criticisms, Samantaray affirmed his respect and loyalty to Patnaik, noting that he and thousands of party workers remain hopeful under his leadership. He emphasised that the party has failed to analyse or address the reasons for its disastrous performance in the recent general elections, where a popular chief minister like Patnaik suffered an unexpected loss. “Victory and defeat are part of elections, but such a defeat for a popular chief minister is hard to accept easily,” he wrote, urging resistance against forces weakening the party and expressing confidence that Patnaik could strengthen it if he chooses.
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Speaking to the media, Samantaray escalated his critique, claiming the BJD is no longer the party it once was and has become “bureaucratic.” He alleged that former bureaucrat VK Pandian continues to run the party indirectly through his “pet” Aditya Mahapatra, a senior OAS officer serving as Patnaik’s personal secretary, who interferes in party affairs. Samantaray highlighted the Waqf Bill incident in Parliament as unfortunate, where the party faced severe humiliation, and claimed he had informed Patnaik by phone but was denied meetings under the pretext of health issues. He questioned why he wasn’t allowed to meet Patnaik even during the latter’s Nuapada campaign visit. Rejecting any bureaucratic or honorary positions, Samantaray vowed to continue as an ordinary BJD worker, committed to Biju and Naveen’s ideology, and stated he would remain in the party without hesitation as long as Patnaik leads.
Echoing similar sentiments, senior BJD leader Bhupinder Singh accused those managing the party of attempting to erase the names of Biju Babu and Naveen Babu. He pointed out that the BJD was formed in Biju Patnaik’s name but is no longer adhering to his ideals, noting that even Biju Babu’s photo was absent from campaign materials in the 2024 general elections. “If this continues, people will no longer accept the BJD,” he warned, calling for Patnaik to personally intervene to safeguard the party’s future and rectify the current situation.
Another senior leader, Prasanna Acharya, downplayed the issue, stating he hadn’t read Samantaray’s letter but acknowledged that differences of opinion exist in every family-like organisation. “Misunderstandings happen in all families. It’s better to act thoughtfully,” he said, adding that the party moves forward by adopting one view amid diverse opinions.
The unrest highlights broader concerns among BJD veterans about bureaucratic overreach and a perceived dilution of the party’s core values, potentially signalling deeper challenges for the opposition party in Odisha.
