Rift between juniors and seniors widens in BJD

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has been facing heightened internal tensions following its recent electoral setback. BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik has opted to disband the state-level committee, as discord within the party intensifies among various factions.

Leaders such as Debi Mishra, Pranab Prakash Das, Sanjay Das Burma, and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak have been embroiled in disagreements, with both veteran party leaders and younger MLAs expressing opposition. This division reflects a generational rift, as emerging leaders seek to establish a parallel organisational framework, challenging the status quo.

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A meeting was held recently in Gopalpur, where the ‘rebel’ party members briefed Patnaik at his residence later the same evening. This has added fuel to the debate relating to factions within the party.

Before the formation of the refreshed state committee, sentiments within the party grew increasingly tense. Prominent figures, including Debi Mishra, Pranab Prakash Das, Sanjay Das Burma, and Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak are facing resistance, especially from the youth within the party, as they advocate for greater representation.

Younger leaders such as Sambit Routaray, Rudra Pratap Maharathy, Bishnubrata Routaray, Chandrasarathi Behera, Anshuman Mohanty, and Pranab Balabantray have voiced their support for prioritising younger leadership roles.

More recently, newer entrants such as Banki MLA Debiranjan Tripathy, Cuttack-Choudwar MLA Souvic Biswal, along with former MLA Pushpendra Singhdeo and Rajendra Sahu, have shown resistance against the current leadership.

However, in response to the alleged price rise, BJD has announced significant demonstrations planned for tomorrow (January 6) outside Lok Seva Bhawan.

With prominent figures like coordination committee leaders Mishra, Das Burma, and Arun Sahu, alongside Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray and Salepur legislator Prasanta Behera, gathering support, the protest is expected to see a strong turnout, particularly from Cuttack.

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“Young faces (leaders) are coming to the forefront all over the country and Odisha cannot lag behind. Young faces have to come forward to take the society ahead. Perhaps, some young faces of the party will come to the front,” Sambit Routray said.

While MLA Prashant Muduli denied any major factional discord, suggesting that issues were being dealt with post-2024 electoral losses, the ongoing tensions indicate challenges that the leadership must navigate carefully.