TV
Tensions within Biju Janata Dal (BJD) took a dramatic turn on Monday as a section of party workers staged a surprise protest outside party supremo Naveen Patnaik’s residence, raising slogans against VK Pandian, the close aide and former IAS officer turned political advisor to the former Chief Minister.
The protesting workers, who identified themselves as longtime BJD supporters, raised loud chants of “Pandian Go Back” near Naveen Niwas, demanding accountability and transparency in the party's internal decisions — particularly over the recent controversy surrounding the Waqf Bill vote in the Rajya Sabha.
This rare instance of dissent from within the party ranks came shortly after senior BJD MP Munna Khan publicly criticized fellow MP Sasmit Patra for supporting the Bill, despite a party resolution to oppose it.
Also Read: Double standards won’t be tolerated: BJD MP Munna Khan criticizes Sasmit Patra over Waqf Bill vote
Today’s protest appears to be an extension of the dissatisfaction brewing within sections of the BJD, now turning toward VK Pandian, who many consider a central figure behind party strategies and decision-making.
According to eyewitnesses, the protesting workers shouted slogans targeting Pandian as they accompanied Munna Khan to Naveen Niwas. They demanded that BJD president Naveen Patnaik personally respond to the growing confusion and discontent among the party base regarding the party's stance on the Waqf Bill.
“Why is Pandian being allowed to influence sensitive political decisions? Who is accountable for the party's mixed signals in Parliament? Naveen Babu must speak up,” said one of the agitating workers.
The crowd was not large, but their message was sharp and symbolic. Raising slogans, they made it clear that they were unhappy with the way Pandian’s growing role in the party was affecting its ideological clarity and grassroots connect.
Today’s events mark a rare moment of visible internal protest in a party known for its centralized leadership and disciplined public image. That it occurred outside the former Chief Minister’s residence only underscores the seriousness with which the disgruntled cadre views the current situation.
While neither Naveen Patnaik nor VK Pandian has issued any statement on the protest yet, political observers note that this could be a turning point in internal BJD dynamics.
“My leader Naveen Patnaik had directed me to oppose the Waqf Bill till the last moment. But our floor leader, Sasmit Patra made some tweets which created a lot of confusion. Today, we met Naveen Patnaik and expressed our concerns including the suspension of Sasmit Patra. Our party president has informed us that appropriate action would be taken after a proper investigation,” said MP Munna Khan.
