BJD suspends Dhenkanal ex-president Bibhu Prasad Dehury amid growing internal rift

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday officially suspended Bibhu Prasad Dehury, the former block president of Dhenkanal Sadar, for alleged ‘anti-party activities’, marking yet another flash point in what appears to be a widening internal churn within the Naveen Patnaik-led party.

In a press note, the party stated that “Sri Bibhu Prasad Dehury, Ex-President, Biju Janata Dal, Sadar Block, Dhenkanal is hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal for his involvement in anti-party activities.”

However, the party’s brief press note made no mention of the specific actions that prompted his removal. Further, the suspension is being widely seen as a disciplinary signal amid broader unrest and organisational churn within the party.

A String of Quiet Departures

Dehury’s suspension follows closely on the heels of another key exit. Last week, Prayaskanti Samal, son of former minister Prafulla Samal and a former chairman of Bhadrak Municipality, resigned from the party.

Though publicly attributed to “personal reasons,” Prayaskanti’s resignation adds to the growing list of political figures stepping back from party responsibilities without clear explanations.

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Discord in Puri: Closed-Door Meetings Raise Eyebrows

Tensions also appear to be simmering in Puri. A recent gathering at the residence of senior leader Pratap Deb included several district-level functionaries but excluded key MLAs and former ministers.

The selective invitation list and the timing, immediately after the formation of a new disciplinary committee, have led to speculation about factionalism within the district unit.

While the meeting was officially described as an organisational discussion, the absence of sitting MLAs and prominent district leaders has raised questions about transparency and alignment in the local leadership structure.

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PAC Resurfaces, But So Does Resentment

At the state level, the reintroduction of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) after 25 years was intended to be a strategic reset for the party. Chaired by Naveen Patnaik himself, the move was stated to be designed to consolidate organisational control. 

However, the selection of committee members has sparked dissatisfaction. The decision has led to a quiet but seemingly growing discontent within senior ranks.