Vikash Sharma

It was on May 29, 2019, that Naveen Patnaik took oath as the Chief Minister of Odisha for the fifth term. The Biju Janata Dal-led government under Naveen Patnaik has completed the fourth year of its fifth term. However, big challenges lie ahead of BJD with general elections around the corner. Rising incidents of infighting and rebellion may put the party in awkward situations this time.

As per sources, several leaders within the BJD are now feeling suffocated as they are now sidelined amid the dominance of a particular coterie. 

It will be a big task for the BJD to counter allegations and allay apprehensions regarding excessive interference of govt officers in party affairs.

Apart from this, BJD might be in a tight spot as there are multiple ticket aspirants in over 60 Assembly constituencies. Deciding whether to give tickets to the leaders, who have already been MLAs for multiple terms, or to sideline them is also going to be a tough task for the party.

For the BJD, which has been in power for 23 years, checking the anti-incumbency will also be a big challenge.

It is being said that there will be a direct fight between the BJD and BJP in the upcoming elections as Congress is being said to be already out of the race owing to the party’s poor performance in several recent bypolls.

What has emerged as a concern for the BJD is the recent claim by BJP that several BJD leaders are in touch with the saffron brigade. Congress too has made similar comments.

“There is dissatisfaction among the MLAs of BJD and all of them are in touch with us,” said Odisha BJP President, Manmohan Samal.

Odisha Congress president, Sarat Patnaik said, “The BJD MLAs are dissatisfied and there is infighting for which several of them are in touch with us.

The BJD leaders cannot meet the CM and are unable to raise their issues.”

BJD MLA, Prafulla Samal, on the other hand, said, “In 2024 elections, BJD will come to power with a thumping majority. For Naveen Patnaik, becoming

CM is not important rather serving people and making the state a leading one is his priority.”

Apart from the political challenges, the BJD regime also faces several issues on the administrative front as well. 

For the party, keeping its promise made during the polls and delivering on good governance, implementation of the projects including the newly-announced schemes will also be a big ask as there is resentment in the administration level over the alleged centralisation of power.

Under such circumstances, it remains to be seen how BJD tackles such issues including discontent within the party, preservation of its image, and growing attacks from the BJP and Congress.

  • Reported by:
  • JAGDISH DAS , CHANDAN PAIKRAY
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