BJD faces internal challenges in rebuilding organisation after 2024 poll debacle

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is facing significant internal challenges as it prepares for organisational elections following a major setback in the 2024 General Elections. With factionalism growing within the party, a pressing question is whether supremo Naveen Patnaik will retain the senior but poll-defeated leaders in the restructured state committee.

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According to sources, intense lobbying for leadership roles has ensued as part of the reshuffle within key organisational units. Speculation is rife about the allocation of responsibilities, amid heightened internal conflicts. Both junior and senior members are striving to assert their influence, adding pressure on the party leadership.

While some of the top brass from the recent elections face criticism, some defeated legislators are hesitant to take on new organisational tasks. The debate has emerged over whether to empower younger members or rely on seasoned leaders to steer the party. Rumours indicate a possible overhaul of the party’s senior leadership, paving the way for younger members.

Several names have surfaced as contenders for major organisational roles within the BJD. Of particular focus, this time is the women’s wing, previously a critical support base for the party. As panchayat elections approach, discussions are underway to possibly entrust pivotal responsibilities to capable female leaders.

Former Kabisuryanagar MLA Latika Pradhan, along with Shreemayee Mishra and former MP Sarmistha Sethi, are speculated to be strong candidates for leadership roles in the Biju Mahila Janata Dal – the party’s women wing.

For the president position of Biju Yuva Janata Dal, MP Subhasish Khuntia, MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy, MLA Biswaranjan Mallick, and youth leader Chinmaya Sahu are key contenders. Meanwhile, young legislators like Souvik Biswal, Rajesh Raj Swain, Pradosh Parida, and Biswapratap Sahu are in the run for the president position of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal.

The future of those who wielded influence before the 2024 elections remains uncertain. It is yet to be seen if figures like former organisational secretary Bobby Das, Sanjay Das Burma, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, and Manas Mangaraj will remain in power under Naveen Patnaik, or if new dynamics will emerge.

As BJD braces for organisational elections after this electoral defeat, the challenges have increased. The formation of Naveen Patnaik’s new team in light of these internal disputes is keenly awaited.

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“The biggest challenge for Naveen Patnaik will be to manage the internal challenges of BJD. It is important how he will manage different factions and strengthen the party, which is gradually weakening after the BJP came to power in Odisha. Younger leaders are now in uncertainty regarding the party’s future,” political analyst Sandeep Mishra said to OTV.

Reported By: Laxminarayan Kanungo, Jagdish Das