Is Naveen Patnaik charting new political course for BJD’s survival?

The BJD supremo and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik’s recent support to a meeting called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to discuss the constituency delimitation has fuelled speculation about a shift in Patnaik’s political strategy away from his previous stance of equidistance, sources said on Friday.

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Some political analysts question whether Patnaik, who had maintained a neutral stance, is realigning with opposition parties to ensure the longevity of Biju Janata Dal.

BJD's backing of Stalin's meeting was speculated to be followed by Patnaik's visit to New Delhi, stoking debate over his political agenda.

Despite circulating rumours, the BJD maintains that its policy of neutrality still remains unchanged. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the move, suggesting that the BJD is seeking ways to stay relevant.

This could signal a potential shift for Patnaik, who had previously kept a distance from forming alliances with third fronts and has supported BJP-led initiatives at the Centre, such as facilitating the entry of Ashwini Vaishnaw into Rajya Sabha despite having the leverage to nominate its candidates.

Amidst the evolving national politics, Patnaik may be evaluating his strategy to preserve relevance post-2024 political changes. Observers question whether the BJD will increasingly collaborate with opposition factions.

Patnaik's recent actions might represent a tactical manoeuvre to secure a foothold on the national stage, evidenced by his involvement in meetings led by regional leaders like MK Stalin. The attention remains on whether these developments will bolster Patnaik's and the BJD's stature in Indian politics.

This is what BJP and Congress leaders say

“Now, he (Naveen Patnaik) is inclining towards Indi Alliance. He is doing the farce to save his party (BJD) and to establish his presence as well. Let us see what will happen in the future. What I think, he would not get anything in return for this political farce. People of Odisha know it very well that the BJD will lose its existence in future,” Aska BJP legislator Saroj Kumar Padhi said to mediapersons.

“They (BJD) supported all bills placed (by BJP) in the Parliament. When had they maintained equidistance? He only said this in his words but has not carried out the same in his action. He (Naveen Patnaik) has changed his stance because ‘Ebe Bindhuchi’ (it is paining now),” senior Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati stated.

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Reacting to this, BJD’s Prasanna Acharya expressed, “So far as I personally know, there has been no change in the Biju Janata Dal’s earlier stance of equi-distance. Our equi-distance policy is still prevalent.”