Internal rift in BJD and resentment against VK Pandian; no one above Naveen Patnaik, say party leaders

As the buzz and discussions around congregation and resentment against VK Pandian within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) continue to dominate the political discourse in Odisha, several senior party leaders have stepped forward to express their views with an aim to showcase unity within the party and reaffirming the leadership of Naveen Patnaik.

Statements Of BJD Leaders…

Reacting to the internal murmurs, BJD leader Mangala Kisan stated that some senior leaders are making comments at a personal level and not as representatives of the party. Speaking about VK Pandian, Kisan reminded that Pandian was previously associated with the party in his administrative capacity and played a crucial role during his tenure as the 5T Secretary. However, Kisan emphasized that without Naveen Patnaik, there is no identity or existence of BJD. He remains the central pillar of the party.

Echoing similar sentiments, senior leader Uma Samantaray dismissed the idea that such internal discussions would have any major impact. He expressed concern over the recent remarks made against Pandian, saying, “There will be no impact of congregation of leaders. Those who are speaking against Pandian are doing a disservice. He has done a lot for the party when he was serving as the 5T Secretary. There is no place for personal opinion”

However, he strongly asserted that in BJD, there is only one true leader — “Our party president is and will always be Naveen Patnaik.”

Samantray further added, “A political party cannot run based on personal opinions. BJD has a clear structure and ideology, and it is not swayed by individual sentiments.”

Joining the line of defence, BJD MLA Jogesh Singh also reiterated the party's unity and strength. “The Biju Janata Dal is one, and it is well-organized. These discussions will not fracture the party’s foundation,” he said.

The statements from the senior leaders come at a time when rumors and speculations about a rift or ideological differences within the BJD are doing rounds, especially with VK Pandian’s influence despite his retirement.