BJD factionalism deepens amid resistance to Sujata Karthikeyan's possible entry

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is once again witnessing signs of internal churn, with senior leaders holding a series of informal gatherings amid growing opposition to the possible entry of Sujata Karthikeyan into the party.

After a group of former MLAs met at Jhumka on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on December 19, another congregation of senior leaders took place on Monday in the Old Town area of the capital. The occasion was the distribution of prasad at the Shree Lingaraj Temple, organised by Bhubaneswar organisational district BJD president Ashok Panda. Several leaders who had attended the earlier Jhumka meeting were also present, fuelling speculation of deepening factionalism within the ruling party.

Political observers say these social gatherings are increasingly being used as power platforms to check the influence of former 5T Chairman V K Pandian and to oppose the induction of Sujata Karthikeyan, especially with the party’s foundation day on December 26 approaching.

Amid speculation that Sujata may formally join the BJD during the foundation day celebrations, a major section of the party has begun openly voicing its resistance. Senior leader Debashish Samantaray warned that Sujata’s entry would be a political mistake. He alleged that the party had suffered electorally due to Pandian’s lack of public acceptability and questioned the logic of welcoming her now.

"The people of Odisha have already expressed their disapproval of this person, as was evident in the last election. In such a situation, it is difficult to understand how he would be accepted within the party. I do not wish to comment further, as it may be politically inappropriate," said Debashish Samantaray.

Also Read: VK Pandian only a manager, not a leader: BJD’s Sambit Routray

Earlier, BJD leader Sambit Routray had made similar remarks, asserting that Pandian was not their leader. Senior leader Pramila Mallik echoed this sentiment, though she insisted that the party remains united and denied the existence of any rebellion. She clarified that all key decisions continue to be taken by party supremo Naveen Patnaik.

"We have only one leader, and he is Naveen Patnaik. We are all workers of Naveen Patnaik. Under his leadership, the party remains as strong as ever and is growing stronger with each passing day," said Pramila Mallik.

Adding a new dimension to the unfolding power struggle, former BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra launched a sharp, satirical attack through a poem posted on social media. Without naming anyone, she suggested that Naveen Patnaik has not yet given a green signal to declare any successor, leaving the question of who will wear the party’s 'green crown' unanswered.

Through layered poetic imagery, Mishra appeared to take aim at several senior leaders, including Pandian, Sujata, Bobby Das and others, alluding to their political manoeuvres and displays of loyalty. She underscored that despite these efforts, uncertainty continues over the party’s future leadership.

Mishra also recently mocked the picnic-style meetings of BJD leaders on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Political analysts note that resistance to Pandian’s influence and Sujata’s possible entry is gaining momentum within the party, potentially creating an uncomfortable situation in the days ahead.

"VK Pandian is being directly targeted. While many leaders have refrained from speaking on camera, others have openly expressed their views. The BJD now appears clearly divided between those supporting Pandian and those opposing him. Given the situation, failure to take a timely and appropriate decision could prove dangerous for the party," said political analyst Prasanna Mohanty. 

With internal dissent becoming increasingly visible, all eyes are now on Naveen Patnaik and whether he will intervene to settle the leadership question amid mounting opposition to the Pandian couple, who are seen as being constantly close to the party chief.