‘Pandian responsible for BJD’s debacle’: Senior party leader Prasanna Acharya acknowledges author Ruben Banerjee’s claim

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Prasanna Acharya has seemingly acknowledged the assertion that former 5T Chairman VK Pandian is responsible for the party’s debacle in the 2024 General Elections in Odisha. This claim originates from senior journalist Ruben Banerjee’s latest book.

Acharya has extolled Banerjee’s reputation, describing him as an eminent journalist and critique with a wealth of experience and knowledge. 

“Critics and observers like Banerjee provide valuable insights,” Acharya remarked, appreciating the author’s deep-rooted understanding of Odisha’s political framework.

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“Ruben Banerjee is a very experienced journalist and critique. Whatever facts he has presented in his book, he must have collected those from various sources. He has done journalism in Odisha for a long time. He has observed BJD and its organizational structure in the State from a very close quarter. He must have presented his observations very clearly. It will not be prudent for me to give any comments on it on the basis of the newspaper reports without reading the book,” said Acharya.

In response to Banerjee’s views in his book, senior BJP leader Samir Ranjan Dash said, “Ruben Banerjee was involved with Naveen Patnaik from those days when he came to power. Whatever, Banerjee has written is certainly relevant and there is no doubt about it. I have not read the book yet. However, I have experience with the coterie group that he has mentioned.”

“I have already expressed about it earlier. At that time, whatever Pandian wanted was happening and Naveen Babu was not much interested in the functioning of the party matter. I have personal experience with it. I have often raised my voice against it and have its repercussions. Though many BJD leaders are not expressing about the matter, it is the real truth,” he added.