Voices from Western Odisha are growing louder in the ongoing discussion over who will succeed Naveen Patnaik as the leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Junagarh MLA Captain Dibyashankar Mishra has openly advocated for Bolangir MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo to take the helm, citing his capability and family legacy. However, senior party leaders Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo and Ganeshwar Behera have strongly rebutted the suggestion, rejecting dynastic claims and stressing that leadership should emerge through merit and party decision-making.
The question of Naveen Patnaik’s successor has lingered in Odisha politics for years. While the BJD supremo has consistently deflected such speculation by saying the people of Odisha will choose his successor, recent statements from within the party have reignited the debate.
Speaking in favour of Kalikesh, Dibyashankar Mishra said, “Kalikesh should lead the state. Giving him the responsibility would be good. His family member, Rajendra Narayan Singh De,o was once a prominent figure in state politics and served as Chief Minister. In the same way, we will stand behind Kalikesh so the state accepts him. He has both the capability and skill to lead Odisha.” He added that Western Odisha hopes Bolangir will once again provide state leadership.
Kalikesh Singh Deo, however, downplayed the succession talk. “In BJD, there is only one leader — Naveen Patnaik. The question of a successor is a matter for the future. We must focus together on the development of Bolangir, Western Odisha, and the entire state. Naveen Babu has always given special attention to Western Odisha,” he said.
Senior leaders Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo and Ganeswar Behera quickly countered Dibyashankar’s remarks. Arun Dr. Sahoo described dynastic succession as “feudal thinking” and said he personally disagreed with it. “Leadership depends on public blessings and performance. No one wins elections without capability. All elected representatives have proven their competence. Whether a successor is needed at all will be decided by the party and its president,” he said, adding that there is no need to rush the discussion.
Ganeswar Behera echoed the sentiment: “Who will be the successor will be decided by Naveen Patnaik. Our president is successful and capable. This succession talk has come from nowhere. Our supreme leader Naveen is performing his duties. The party gives importance to young leaders. Only Dibyashankar can explain why he made such a statement.”
The timing of Dibyashankar’s comments has drawn extra attention, coming shortly after Kalikesh’s father and senior BJD leader AU Singh Deo met Naveen Patnaik at Naveen Niwas. While many leaders have remained silent on the leadership issue, Dibyashankar’s direct naming of Kalikesh has become the focal point of intense party discussion.
