Be prepared for all situations, says BJP Odisha State President after Naveen Patnaik’s re-election as BJD chief

As Naveen Patnaik was once again elected president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for the ninth time, a political ripple was stirred across party lines. While leaders and well-wishers poured in their congratulatory messages, Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal took the opportunity to offer both congratulations and criticism in equal measure.

Speaking to reporters soon after Naveen’s name was officially announced as the BJD president, Samal said, “I extend my best wishes to Naveen Babu. I hope he remains prepared for all situations—both political and administrative—in the coming days.” 

His tone, however, was far from celebratory as he launched into a series of allegations and critiques about the functioning of the previous BJD government.

Also Read: BJD lost 2024 election due to false narrative, says Naveen Patnaik after re-elected as party supremo 

Samal Counter’s False Narrative Claim By Naveen Patnaik

Manmohan Samal reiterated the BJP’s long-standing criticism of the then state government, stating that the concerns they (BJP) raised over the years were not mere political rhetoric but based on ground realities. 

“Whatever the BJP said, time and again, has turned out to be true. We raised questions about how central funds were being misused or diverted in Odisha. But until now, Naveen Patnaik has not been able to give a single clear and convincing answer,” Samal alleged.

He also pointed to what he called the beginning of a political shift in Odisha, referring to the last general and assembly elections where the BJP made notable gains in vote share and public support. 

“The people of Odisha have started seeing through the façade. They have started rejecting BJD’s governance model. In the last elections, the public gave the BJP a chance because they were tired of the same leadership with no accountability,” he said.

Samal was also quick to emphasize that the BJP respects democratic values and believes in the role of a healthy opposition. 
On the other hand, the BJD has yet to respond officially to Samal’s statements. 

Interestingly, this war of words comes at a crucial time when the BJD is internally restructuring and gearing up for future electoral battles. Naveen Patnaik, in his own address after being re-elected, had stressed the importance of organization, service to people, and the party’s commitment to Odisha’s pride and self-respect.