Beyond BJP, BJD & Congress: Is Odisha headed for a new political party formation?

Will a new party emerge beyond the three major political forces? In recent days, the activities of some former BJD veterans have fuelled discussions about possible new political equations in Odisha. The fact that some of these senior leaders came together, held meetings, and then travelled to Delhi has further intensified speculation.

Senior leader Amar Satpathy has admitted to the Delhi visit and acknowledged that political discussions took place. While he stated that the time has not yet come for the formation of a new party, he did not rule out the possibility either. This has triggered a wave of political statements and counter-statements across party lines.

The buzz is growing over whether a new party outside the BJP, BJD, and Congress could take shape, especially after the Delhi visit of former BJD leaders such as Amar Satpathy and Prabhat Tripathy, who reportedly met certain political figures there. Amar Satpathy himself has confirmed the meeting, saying that discussions were held in Delhi and that while various parties are in touch with them, some disgruntled leaders are also reaching out.

"Old political parties are also in contact with me. When a political decision will be taken, I and my friends will inform about it. Situation to form a new party has not come yet. Where ever the political leaders meet, discussions generally take place," said Amar Satpathy.

A fresh wave of political statements has erupted over the evolving equations in Odisha politics. The BJD, taking a swipe at its former leaders, remarked that even if all the zeroes come together, they can never make a one. Meanwhile, the Congress has projected itself as the only real alternative. The BJP argues that any new front will not gain traction in the state.

"When there is no head, there is no headache. When hundreds of zeroes meet, the result will also be a zero and not one. The person will be the leader to whom Odisha people have considered as the leader," said BJD leader Dhruba Sahoo.

"Whenever issue based politics occur, general people accept Congress at that time. Nobody is ready to accept the third front or a new party. If it happens, BJD leaders are doing it. It seems as BJD's B team. However, I don't think that it will be successful," said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.

"What will happen? They have already failed by forming different fronts and parties. I don't think that the third front will get any success in Odisha," said BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra.

Following the BJD’s setback in 2024, possibilities of new alignments are emerging in Odisha politics. Discontented BJD leaders are now seeking fresh platforms. With factional infighting intensifying inside the ruling party, the organization has reportedly begun weakening at the grassroots level. Every day, workers are expressing dissatisfaction and resigning.

At the same time, the Congress remains organizationally weak and the senior leaders are not confident to migrate to its fold. This has prompted seasoned politicians to explore new equations. 

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"Naveen babu has not even formed BJD. First BJD was formed and then Naveen was put at the helm. Those who didn't form BJD, enjoyed power through BJD. Those about whom things are being discussed, they don't have any role in BJD. So, it is a big crisis time. There is no problem in forming an alternative party. Now, it seems that there is a necessity of another political party in Odisha politics. Neither people have any dream about BJD nor the party insiders are looking ahead," said political analyst Prasanna Mohanty.

Recently, former MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, who was expelled from the BJD, hinted at the likelihood of a new front in Odisha. His inclusion among a group of leaders exploring options has fuelled speculation. Now, all eyes are on when and how these new political alignments will crystallize in the state.