BJD infighting escalates as senior leader ‘opposed’ in party headquarters

Odisha's Opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), is grappling with internal dissent as rebel voices rise against some of the party’s senior leaders. A programme, ‘Jan Jagaran Abhiyan’ held in Sankha Bhawan on Tuesday witnessed clashes between several young leaders and BJD MP Manas Mangaraj, exposing deep rifts within the party.

Also Read: Manas Mangaraj behind Waqf Bill vote support deal; we will oppose him and Sasmit Patra, says BJD youth leader

At the start of the event, young BJD leaders shouted slogans against Manas Mangaraj.

Controversy began when some young leaders protested against MP Manas Mangaraj during the event, voicing dissatisfaction over election management and ticket distribution for the previous 2024 General Elections, allegedly leading to the poll debacle.

Mangaraj was vehemently opposed!

The situation escalated, with Mangaraj walking out amid the chaos. Attempts by senior leaders to mediate failed to quell the discord.

Several leaders, including MP Munna Khan, Athagarh MLA Ranendra Pratap (Raja) Swain, senior leaders Bhupinder Singh, Prafulla Mallik, and Shashi Bhusan Behera, were noticeably absent from the meeting.

BJD attributed their absence to personal reasons, but insiders hinted at deeper discontent. This incident is part of a larger pattern of infighting within the BJD, with past instances of heated exchanges and physical altercations between leaders.

“Almost all leaders came. Around 17-18 leaders had informed me over the phone that they could not come due to personal reasons. They informed the party supremo and me as well,” BJD Coordination Committee president Debi Prasad Mishra said.

The party's internal crisis raises questions about its future trajectory and the potential impact on its governance. Key issues include leadership accountability, party discipline, and the need for structural reforms.

“The most important thing is who will manage the party (BJD) and how. It is such a big political party that was in power for the last 24 years. However, the senior leaders who are expressing a bit different opinion are not being recognised by the party and not being given due honour,” eminent political analyst Rabi Das expressed to OTV.

“Obviously, dissidence will be there. What will happen to the party after Naveen Patnaik? That is the question,” political analyst Das added.