BJD revives 25-year-old strategy with Naveen Patnaik as chief of new PAC; internal dissent brews

In a strategic shift reminiscent of its early days, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has reintroduced the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) after 25 years, with the party supremo Naveen Patnaik taking direct charge as its chairperson. However, the composition of the committee has triggered quiet discontent within the party, with several senior leaders expressing concerns over being sidelined.

The newly-formed PAC comprises nine members, six of whom are leaders who lost in the 2024 elections — including Bobby Das, Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sanjay Das Burma, Tukuni Sahu, Sudam Marndi, and Sasmit Patra. Also inducted is Santrupt Mishra, a corporate figure who joined BJD just ahead of the elections. Their inclusion, at the expense of several experienced party veterans, has raised eyebrows.

Senior leader Badri Narayan Patra indirectly criticised the selection, questioning the criteria for being in the party’s ‘good books’. Many within the party believe the PAC is heavily influenced by VK Pandian, who is seen as consolidating control through loyalists, sidelining long-time contributors to the party.

Leaders such as Prasanna Acharya, Badri Narayan Patra, Ramesh Chyau Patnaik, and Arun Sahoo have been given responsibilities in various cells, such as the Farmers’ Wing, Education Cell, and OBC Cell. Notably, leaders who have recently spoken out against Pandian’s growing role — including Bhupinder Singh, Sashibhusan Behera, Prafulla Mallick, and Nrusingha Sahoo — have been left out entirely.

“People in the good books find place in the committee. The party president has selected the members based on their efficiency,” Patra said.
“Naveen Babu has formed a composed team. With the blessings of Naveen Babu and the people of my constituency, I got the opportunity twice to serve Banki residents,” said Debi Ranjan Tripathy, BJD MLA.

Political analysts suggest that by heading the PAC himself, Naveen Patnaik aims to drive the party’s internal agenda with greater control. However, this move may deepen internal fissures and create further unrest among the ranks.
“If the discontent within the party is not resolved at the earliest, then it may suffer a setback in the urban body elections in the future,” Sandeep Mishra, a political expert said.

BJD is also expected to announce district presidents and key organisational appointments soon, with particular focus on the student, youth, and women’s wings. For now, the party appears to be in a phase of tense silence — a calm that many believe precedes an internal storm.