BJD leadership lacks connect with grassroots: Senior party MLA Badri Patra

Badri Narayan Patra, the senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and legislator from Ghasipura, sparked a political storm on Wednesday by making explosive comments about his own party’s internal functioning.

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Patra alleged that certain individuals entrusted with party responsibilities are overstepping their limits, leading to increasing internal conflict and a widening rift within the BJD organisation.

Patra criticised the current leadership, saying it has failed to inspire the confidence among grassroots workers. “People at the grassroots are leaving the party (BJD) because the top leadership has not been able to build trust,” the Ghasipura MLA said.

The octogenarian leader emphasised the need for BJD to understand public sentiment. “To move forward, we must grasp what the people really want. Taking everyone along is the mark of true leadership,” he stated.

In a veiled attack, he dismissed cryptic phrases used within the party — such as “I’m down but not out” — saying, “I don't know what that means. Perhaps those who said it and those it was said about understand it better.”

When asked about the much-speculated entry of Sujata R. Karthikeyan into the party, Patra responded tactfully: “BJD is a big party. Isn't there space to welcome more people?”

Patra stressed the importance of reviewing how well top-down decisions are being received by lower-level workers. However, he subtly pointed out that those currently in power must evaluate the grassroots acceptability of their decisions.

Referring to the 2024 General Elections debacle, the MLA questioned whether the leadership's disregard for grassroots voices contributed to the electoral setback. “Many decisions did not align with what the people expected, and they turned away from us,” he said.

The senior BJD leader reiterated that without restoring trust, the exodus of workers from the party base will continue.

“We all must know our limits and the responsibilities. If we properly understand this much, everything will go well. However, if we cross the limit, it will lead to confusion. The people who are shouldering responsibilities should understand this,” Patra added.

No comments were received from the BJD in this regard.