BJD and BJP at loggerheads in Odisha over organisational election delays

The political scene is heating up in Odisha as Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have engaged in verbal sparring over delays in organisational elections.

BJD leader Pratap Jena has openly criticised the BJP for its extended delay in appointing their state party president, noting that it's been over six months without an announcement.

Jena said that the BJD is a big party, and whoever Naveen Patnaik entrusts with responsibility will be readily accepted by all. Despite ongoing speculation about a female candidate for the party president, the matter remains unconfirmed.

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"Ruling BJP should be asked why they are not able to appoint their party state president even after six months. BJD has more votes than BJP in Odisha. Whoever Chief Naveen Patnaik entrusts with any kind of responsibilities will be accepted by all," said Jena.

Samal questions BJD

Meanwhile, state BJP president Manmohan Samal questioned the democratic framework within the BJD. Samal said that the BJP functions within a democratic framework, holding organisational elections every three years. He suggested that if the BJD followed a similar process, they would not have faced situations like this.

"They (BJD) don't have any democratic system within their party. BJP is a democratic party and organisational elections are conducted within the party in every three years. Had they (BJD) a democratic system within their party, they would not have to see this kind of situation now," said Samal.