BJD 'deliberately' lost 10 confirmed seats in Ganjam during 2024 elections, claims Latika Pradhan

Senior Biju Janata Dal leader Latika Pradhan has triggered a fresh political storm by alleging that the party was deliberately made to lose 10 confirmed winning seats in Ganjam district during the 2024 Assembly elections, a setback she claims directly prevented Naveen Patnaik from returning as Chief Minister, as she openly questioned the role and accountability of those entrusted with managing the party’s campaign in the district.

Targeting Leadership and Election In-Charge

Pradhan said repeated warnings were ignored and held those assigned with Ganjam’s responsibility accountable for the defeat. She directly questioned the role of then district in-charge Manas Mangaraj, asking whether he was actively supporting the party or merely ‘on a picnic’ during the elections.

Call for Internal Democracy

Stressing the need for introspection, Pradhan urged that voices of leaders raising concerns should not be suppressed or ignored. She called for dialogue and resolution instead of sidelining dissenting opinions.

Appeal to Naveen Patnaik

Pradhan appealed to Naveen Patnaik to convene a special meeting to reorganise the party. While noting gradual recovery under Bikram Panda, she warned that denying local leaders responsibility and lack of time from the party president has weakened the organisation.

"Had I been an MLA, or had my brothers and sisters been MLAs, the situation in Ganjam would have been very different. Ten seats in the district, which were confirmed winning seats, were deliberately lost. As a result, Naveen Patnaik was deprived of the Chief Minister’s post. The party entrusted certain individuals with responsibility, but what were they doing at the time? We were fully engaged in election campaigning. If there were lapses in management on our part, then what was he doing? He was given the responsibility by the party to manage affairs and strengthen the situation. Instead of strengthening the organisation, where was he?” alleged senior BJD leader Latika Pradhan.

A Call for Course Correction

Her remarks underline growing concerns within the BJD and signal an urgent call for organisational restructuring and accountability.