In a dramatic display of dissent within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal refused to cast his vote for the party’s officially recognised candidate during Monday’s Rajya Sabha election voting.
Biswal, son of former MLA and veteran BJD leader Dr Prabhat Biswal, openly attributed his decision to longstanding grievances against the party for what he described as years of injustice and atrocities inflicted upon his father.
Speaking to the media after exercising his franchise—or rather, deliberately not supporting the BJD nominee—Biswal invoked strong personal and philosophical justifications. “Father is religion, father is heaven, father is the ultimate penance,” he said, quoting traditional wisdom. He further declared that his vote went to the one blessed by Biju Patnaik’s legacy, emphasising his allegiance to the party’s foundational ideals over current leadership decisions.
Citing Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita—that one who commits injustice is as sinful as one who silently endures it—Biswal accused the BJD of subjecting his father to immense sacrifices, hardships, and humiliation over the past 29 years. “My revered father, Dr. Prabhat Biswal, has endured countless sacrifices and contributions to the party,” he stated. “Everyone is aware of what he has gone through.”
When directly asked if this amounted to taking revenge through his vote, Biswal replied affirmatively: “Certainly.” He highlighted perceived double standards in the party, pointing to high-profile raids and recoveries of cash, gold, diamonds, and property in other cases, while questioning why no such actions or revelations had targeted his family despite intense scrutiny. “What has been found at our place that hasn’t been made public till today?” he asked.
Biswal praised his father’s dedication, noting that Prabhat Biswal worked 18-19 hours daily for the BJD since 1997, never disappointing anyone who approached him. Yet, he alleged intolerance from certain party leaders toward his father’s integrity. “Those who prefer corruption couldn’t tolerate Pravat Biswal because he doesn’t steal,” Biswal said. “Those who drink alcohol dislike him because he doesn’t drink. He has stayed thousands of kilometres away from corruption.”
