After Dibya Shankar, Debesh Acharya backs Kalikesh Singh Deo as leadership debate continues within BJD

Speculation over the future leadership of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) continued on Wednesday, with former party MLA Debesh Acharya echoing sentiments earlier expressed by BJD MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra in support of Bolangir MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo. The remarks added momentum to ongoing discussions within political circles about Kalikesh’s potential role at the state level.

As per reports, speaking at a programme organised in Bolangir on Wednesday, Debesh Acharya indirectly suggested that Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo should assume a larger leadership role in the party. His comments came just two days after Dibya Shankar Mishra publicly voiced similar views, indicating a growing chorus of support for Kalikesh within sections of the party.

Acharya highlighted Kalikesh’s experience and capabilities across multiple fields, including sports and politics, and said there was public expectation for him to take on greater responsibility. While he did not explicitly name the BJD, his remarks were widely interpreted as pointing towards the party’s future leadership.

Focus On Experience And Public Expectation

Addressing the gathering, Acharya said Kalikesh had demonstrated leadership qualities beyond politics. “We want Kalikesh Singh Deo to lead not only in the sports sector but also in politics. We, along with the rest of Odisha, want him to lead in social, sports and political fields,” he said.

Earlier Statement By Dibya Shankar Mishra

As per reports, Dibya Shankar Mishra had stated his support for Kalikesh Singh Deo during the inauguration of a football tournament held on Tuesday. The event was organised in memory of former Odisha Chief Minister Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, who was also Kalikesh Singh Deo’s grandfather.

Mishra’s comments were seen as a clear endorsement, and Acharya’s subsequent remarks are being viewed as a continuation of that sentiment rather than an isolated statement.

Also Read: Leadership row rekindles tension within BJD after Dibya Shankar backs Kalikesh

Political Circles Watching Developments

With senior leaders successively expressing support, political observers note that discussions around Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo’s role within the party may gain further traction in the coming days. However, the BJD leadership has not made any official statement on the matter so far.