BJD leader Debashish Samantaray resigns from party post, cites ‘humiliating designation’ in letter to Naveen Patnaik

Senior BJD leader Debashish Samantaray has formally resigned from his post as Vice-President of the BJD Senior Citizen Cell, sending a letter directly to party President Naveen Patnaik and questioning the relevance and dignity of the position.

Samantaray, a long-time party organiser from Cuttack, stated that he would remain a worker of the Biju Janata Dal but would not accept what he described as a “demeaning” designation that reduces the responsibility of senior leaders in the organisational structure.

In his resignation letter addressed to Patnaik, he wrote that he “failed to understand” the meaning of being appointed “in the rank of Vice President”, calling it a bureaucratic, humiliating title that did not reflect the contributions of veterans.

Samantaray also questioned whether there was space left in the party for loyalists who stood by Biju Patnaik’s legacy and leaders who had supported Naveen Patnaik throughout his political career.

Letter Questions Party Direction

The MP further said the party’s thinking and actions seemed to be deviating from the Biju legacy, despite the loyalty of “thousands of workers” who still view Naveen Patnaik as their only hope. 

Raising concerns over BJD’s defeat in the 2024 elections, Samantaray alleged that the organisation has refused to address the core reasons behind the loss, even though “every worker knows the cause.” He urged Patnaik to intervene personally to prevent what he described as attempts that could weaken the party internally.

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Resignation Follows Visible Rift in Cuttack BJD Unit

The resignation comes against the backdrop of visible internal friction within the Cuttack BJD unit. Since early 2023, differences between Samantaray and Cuttack Mayor Subhas Singh have repeatedly surfaced, including disagreements over events, invitations, and the absence of Naveen Patnaik’s photograph on public banners.

Samantaray had previously distanced himself from programmes led by the Mayor and expressed displeasure over omissions related to Patnaik’s image, signalling ongoing tensions within the local leadership.

The BJD is yet to issue an official response to Samantaray’s resignation letter.