Rising factionalism grips BJD in Cuttack amid leadership challenges

Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is grappling with increasing factionalism, which is now evident in the historic city of Cuttack. This friction follows earlier dissensions reported in Ganjam and Jajpur districts, signalling a growing challenge to the party’s leadership.

Without taking names, senior BJD leader Prabhat Biswal has openly criticised a faction within the party leadership. During a tribute meeting in Cuttack, he used references to infamous mythological characters, Kansa and Ravana, to metaphorically express his dissatisfaction. While Biswal’s exact targets remain unspecified, his faith in divine intervention from Lord Jagannath to rectify the situation reveals the depths of his discontent.

Biswal, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Choudwar, unleashed his poetic attack, leaving many guessing about the true identities of those he compared with the mythological villains. His comments echo previous criticisms by senior figures such as Prabhat Tripathy and Ranendra Pratap Swain, who have also voiced concerns over similar conspiracies.

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“Like Ramayan and Mahabharat, there are also Kansas and Ravanas in politics and I have given their examples many times. Some persons are there who are dragging the feet of others and God will take care of them. Their deeds will certainly be revealed one day,” said Biswal.

However, in response, senior party leader Arun Sahoo dismissed them as internal political issues. 

“He (Biswal) is always at the forefront in all the works of BJD. Every family has conflict and we will take care of it. Others should not mind about it,” said Arun Sahoo.

As preparations are underway for a protest on January 6 in Bhubaneswar against rising inflation, the shadow of internal discord looms large over the BJD’s leadership. Despite public assertions of unity, the visible division poses significant management challenges that the party’s leadership must address swiftly.

“Naveen Patnaik is our top leader and under his leadership, BJD was organised and it will remain organised in future. There is no meaning of any kind of misunderstanding within the party where there is no alternative of leadership,” said BJD leader Prasanta Muduli.

Political experts are closely observing these developments, particularly in Cuttack, where the discord has become prominent. According to them, BJD’s inability to effectively manage its internal strife could significantly impact its future political prospects.

“BJD has become leaderless in Cuttack as various events of the party are not being organised properly in the district. If it happens like that, it is quite obvious that the party leaders will express their dissatisfaction,” said political analyst Satya Roy.