BJD’s Bhupinder Singh takes aim at his own party, hails Congress; exit rumours gain momentum

Speculation has intensified within Odisha’s political circles after senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Bhupinder Singh made remarks suggesting uncertainty over his future in the party.

During an interaction with the media on Wednesday, Singh claimed that locals have pledged their support to him regardless of which party symbol he contests on. The statement has triggered discussions over whether he may part ways with the BJD.

"For me, people, not the party, are of utmost importance and priority. What may happen to me in the future will be decided by the people. And based on my interactions, they have said that they will support me no matter which party symbol I represent,” he said.

Criticism Of BJD’s Opposition Role

In the same interaction, Singh openly questioned his party’s performance as the principal opposition in the state, arguing that the Congress is gaining ground in both Odisha and the country.

He said people feel there is little difference between BJD and BJP, which is prompting voters to look at Congress as an alternative. He stressed that BJD has failed to raise issues strongly in its opposition role, a vacuum that Congress is benefiting from.

“On the national stage, the future graph of Congress has risen. In Odisha, people expect BJD to be the central opposition. If it fails to deliver on this responsibility, then Congress will take advantage of it,” said Singh.

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Questions On Leadership And Stand In Parliament

Without naming individuals, Singh appeared to target the BJD leadership, saying that since the 2024 elections, the party’s stand in Parliament has not been clear.

“This is something the leadership must take seriously. It should not be dismissed as just my words as I am only voicing people’s concerns,” he said. He warned that ignoring public sentiment could harm the party’s future and insisted that BJD’s political position must be clarified without delay.

The comments, coming at a time when political alignments remain fluid in Odisha, have raised questions on whether Singh could move closer to Congress, which he described as expanding its space in the state.

While Singh has not explicitly announced an exit, his statements have heightened speculation of a shift, especially with local supporters reportedly pledging loyalty to him over any party symbol.