Why Naveen is afraid of Pandian, questions Prasanna Patasani; BJD's Debi Mishra responds

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the opposition party in Odisha, is currently navigating turbulent waters as discussions intensify over the substantial role played by former 5T Chairman VK Pandian within the party.

Echoing the same view, former BJD leader Prasanna Patasani said that party supremo Naveen Patnaik is telling lies with signals from Pandian. Patsani rued over the fact that though he was given many assurances those were not fulfilled.

Patasani Slams Naveen

According to Patasani, nobody can threaten others in a democracy. He further questioned why Naveen is so much afraid of Pandian.

Patasani further said that BJD was defeated in the last election due to Pandian and leaders within the party becoming suffocated.

"Naveen is telling lies with signals from Pandian. Pandian is his only adviser. Everything will stop without Pandian. What kind of democracy is this? Nobody has the right to threaten like this in democracy," said Patasani.

"People have discarded BJD. What kind of weakness Naveen babu has? Why he is so much afraid? Who will answer this question? 

Must Read: After Prafulla Mallik, Nrusingha Sahu drops bombshell; ‘BJD lost due to VK Pandian’s political entry’

"BJD suffered defeat due to Pandian as worthy leaders were not given tickets," he added.

BJD Responds 

Commenting on Patasani's remark, senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra to "There will be comments and reactions in politics. When Baba (Patasani) was within BJD, he was taking control of the party with his 'danda'. He is a good man. Wherever he goes, he will have his danda's influence," said senior BJD leader Devi Mishra.

What Political Analysts Say?

In response, senior political analyst Prasanna Mohanty said, "Naveen's weakness towards Pandian has started affecting BJD. Many senior leaders of the party have already voiced their opinions against it. Though Patsani is not in BJD now, his statement could not be overruled."

"Patasani had a great role in the formation of BJD and popularising the image of Naveen Patnaik. Though he was given assurance of a ticket in the last election, it was not fulfilled. He was treated like 'use and throw'. Several leaders within BJD are not able to accept Naveen's weakness towards Pandian," he added.