BJD faces political challenges over Biju Patnaik legacy

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has been facing increasing political pressure following the absence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from the state-level Biju Patnaik birth anniversary celebrations. 

Naveen's absence in the program sparked critique from senior party members and provided the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with an opportunity to gain political ground.

Controversial Absence

The recent Biju Jayanti celebrations took place at Jayadev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar with the participation of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi and two Deputy Chief Ministers. However, Leader of the Opposition- Naveen Patnaik's absence despite being formally invited was perceived as a significant oversight, raising questions about the BJD's commitment to Biju Patnaik's legacy. 

"The Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, didn't attend the program meant for Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary celebration. Though the government announced to celebrate the birth anniversary of Biju Patnaik in a grand way, there is nothing to politicise the matter by remaining absent from the program," said CM Mohan Majhi.

"Those who didn't come to the program despite getting invitations, they have committed crimes," he added.

Senior BJD leader Prafulla Ghadai remarked that Naveen Patnaik’s presence would have enhanced the event's prestige.

"Many persons have been invited for the program. Had they come, the program would have been richer," said Ghadai.

Must Read: Questions raised over Naveen Patnaik's absence at Biju Patnaik birth anniversary celebration despite invitation from CM

Political Fallout

Compounding the issue, a BJD member is accused by the BJP of vandalising a statue of Biju Patnaik in Mahanga, which the saffron party claims was politically motivated. The BJP’s youth wing in Bhubaneswar organised a protest near the Biju Patnaik statue at the Airport square, alleging that the act was part of the BJD's political strategy.

Internal and External Criticism

Former BJD Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Amar Satpathy has also criticised the handling of the Biju Jayanti. The events have sparked a debate over the BJD’s strategic manoeuvres and whether they have undermined their standing by not adequately capitalising on Biju Patnaik's legacy.

"People of Odisha are witnessing who has committed sin or virtue," said senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya.

"They (BJD) should understand that Biju Patnaik is not their party leader, rather he is an international leader. Doing politics over the matter means, they are disrespecting him," said BJP leader Purna Chandra Sethy.

"Odisha government celebrated Biju Patnaik's birth anniversary and the Chief Minister even announced to fulfil the unfulfilled dreams of Biju Babu and there is nothing wrong in it," said Amar Satpathy.

The political discourse now focuses on how the unfolding situation will evolve, with both parties vying for control over Biju Patnaik's esteemed legacy.
"BJD wanted to strengthen the party by politicising Biju Patnaik's legacy again. However, they seem to have faltered with BJP's strategy," said political analyst Prasanna Mohanty.