After youth, senior BJD leaders hold closed-door meet; leaders assemble at Prasanna Acharya’s residence

A closed-door meeting at the residence of senior BJD leader Prasanna Acharya, who is also the deputy Opposition leader, in Bhubaneswar triggered speculations among the political circles on Monday.

As per reports, former MLA Ashok Panda, Prafulla Samal, Bhupinder Singh, and Debesh Acharya, all of whom hold considerable influence within the party congregated at Acharya’s residence. 

As the exact reason behind such a meeting remains unknown, it has triggered speculations with experts indicating a possible show of strength ahead of BJD’s organisation elections.

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Recently, several youth BJD leaders had organised a meeting and now similar meetings by senior party leaders ahead of the organisation polls have raised questions at a time when the internal rift within party leaders has been surfacing at regular intervals.

Though BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik is now touring several parts of the state, the back-to-back meetings and party leaders congregating at separate places could emerge as a possible headache for the party. It is also being speculated that some discussion could have taken place to discuss Naveen Patnaik’s western Odisha tour.

Many see such meetings as a measure to bolster the grip of some leaders in the party.

Acharya said that all the leaders had come to enquire about his health. 

“I am under treatment and visit hospital for a check-up tomorrow. The leaders have come to meet me after getting information about my health,” said Acharya.

However, experts that such meetings certainly have political statements at a time when several youth leaders are openly holding separate meetings with supporters to make rapid inroads within the party.

Post 2024 election debacle, a blame game had started in BJD with several leaders accusing several party leaders, which had then brought to light the simmering discontent and resentment among the party.

Such meetings are observed keenly by political analysts, as the outcomes could impact the BJD’s strategies and positioning in the political landscape of Odisha.