BJD's internal strife widens as leadership disputes unfold across Odisha

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Opposition party in Odisha, has been facing significant internal dissent amid controversies in leadership appointments across 15 out of its 33 organisational districts. While the party successfully designated leadership in 18 districts without contention, others remain in turmoil.

This lack of unity highlights an underlying fissure within the BJD, as some members appear resistant to directives from higher levels of party command. Concerns have been raised over the potential ramifications of these disputes on the party's cohesion.

Factional Row in Kendrapara

In Kendrapara, rivalry between factions led by Atanu Sabyasachi and Dhruba Charan Sahoo has intensified, with some legislators and leaders rallying behind Dhruba. 

Anshuman Mohanty’s interest in the leadership role has further exacerbated tensions, reportedly culminating in heated discussions at Sankha Bhawan in Bhubaneswar involving Dhruba and coordination committee chairman Debi Prasad Mishra.

Fractured Front in Cuttack

A similar scenario has unfolded in Cuttack, where alliances have been formed with Ranendra Pratap Swain, Debashish Samantaray, Prabhat Biswal, Devi Tripathy, and Chandra Sarathi Behera on one side, and Debi Prasad Mishra, Subhash Singh, and Prasanta Behera on the other, indicating a deep faction within the party.

Tensions Throughout State

In Kalahandi, Pushpendra Singh Deo is locked in a cold war with Captain Dibya Shankar Mishra. While Bolangir is experiencing its split between Kalikesh Singh Deo and Tukuni Sahoo, Koraput is witnessing rivalry between Rabi Nanda and Ishwar Panigrahi. Sambalpur, Khurda, Bargarh, Jharshuguda, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, and Konjhar are also embroiled in leadership struggles.

BJD Refutes Faction

Meanwhile, BJD has refuted any kind of factional row within the party.

"There is no conflict within the party. We are trying to solve the matter by discussing things in case of any difference of opinions," said senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra.
"BJD is strong and it is not facing any kind of challenges. BJD will perform well and our leaders will take all the decisions," said Jagannath Naik.

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"Amid differences of opinions, the party is choosing the right candidates for suitable positions," said Ishwar Panigrahi.

What Political Analysts Say

Political analysts suggest that these internal struggles reflect a broader discontent within the BJD, thereby posing challenges to upcoming organisational elections. 

"The main challenge within BJD will be to accommodate the discontented leaders within the party. The party will have to ensure 33 per cent representation of women leaders and proper accommodation from other sections," said political analyst Sandeep Mishra.

As grassroots members keenly observe these developments, the focus sharpens on party leader Naveen Patnaik's strategies to reinforce unity and efficiency within his team.