BJD MP Munna Khan takes indirect shot at VK Pandian; warns of action against ‘two-headed conspirators’

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Munna Khan on Friday delivered a pointed political message at the party’s foundation day programme in Bhubaneswar, targeting former bureaucrat-turned-party strategist V K Pandian without naming him.

In his speech, Khan warned against what he described as “two-headed authority” and backdoor control within the party. Notably, his remarks came in the presence of BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, at a time when the party is navigating internal recalibration after losing power in Odisha.

Speaking before party leaders and workers, Khan asserted that the party would function strictly under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership and not under any parallel authority.

“There should be no confusion. No one will function under anyone else. We will work under Naveen Patnaik and only under Naveen Patnaik,” he said.

‘Two-Sided Cleverness Will Not Work’

Without referring to Pandian by name, Khan issued a direct warning against what he termed “double standards” and “conspiracies” within the organisation. “If someone tries to show cleverness on both sides, that will no longer be tolerated,” he said, adding that the party would not allow internal manipulation or divided loyalties.

Khan said he had already conveyed his position directly to Naveen Patnaik. “I have told Naveen Babu clearly that now we will adopt Biju Babu’s formula. We will remain with Naveen Patnaik and strengthen the party, but we will not allow conspirators to escape accountability,” he stated.

Invoking Biju Patnaik’s Political Style

In a lengthy intervention, Khan invoked the legacy of Biju Patnaik to contrast leadership styles within the party. He recalled that during Biju Patnaik’s tenure, accountability, both administrative and political, was enforced without hesitation.

“Biju Babu used to say that those who do not work for the people must be punished,” Khan said. Narrating an incident from Biju Patnaik’s time as chief minister, he claimed that an IPS officer accused of harassing the public was publicly confronted during a programme in Nabarangpur. According to Khan, a party worker slapped the officer in Biju Patnaik’s presence, following which the worker was briefly arrested and later released on Biju Patnaik’s intervention.

“Such was Biju Babu’s way of functioning,” Khan said, before drawing a contrast with Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. He said Naveen Patnaik emphasised discipline, restraint, and peaceful conduct, asking party workers not to react aggressively even under provocation.

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Message Of Loyalty To Naveen Patnaik

Despite his sharp tone, Khan underlined his loyalty to Naveen Patnaik, stating that all corrective measures within the party would be taken while remaining firmly under the BJD president’s leadership. “We are with Naveen Patnaik, and we will grow under his leadership,” he said.

Munna Khan’s speech came shortly after Naveen Patnaik addressed party workers at the same event, where he categorically rejected speculation about divisions within the BJD.

Patnaik asserted that the party “exists and will continue to exist for 100 years” as the voice of the people of Odisha. The BJD supremo also dismissed rumours of a split, saying attempts were being made by rival parties to spread misinformation about the party’s future.

The foundation day programme marked the BJD’s completion of 28 years and entry into its 29th year, with senior leaders, legislators, and party workers in attendance.