BJD stronghold in Bhadrak in turmoil as internal rift deepens; 4 block chairpersons quit

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha is witnessing escalating unrest in its Bhadrak organisational structure, with internal factionalism surfacing publicly and multiple senior grassroots level leaders stepping down. 

The crisis intensified after discussions reportedly took place at senior leader Prafulla Samal’s residence, fuelling speculation of coordinated dissent within the district unit.

Several BJD leaders and MLAs are said to be opposing Prafulla Samal, accusing him of widening divisions within the party. Internal discussions indicate that Samal is being linked to the resignation of four block chairpersons in Bhadrak, a development that has triggered political tremors within the district organisation. 

The latest resignation came from Basudevpur Block chairman Nagendra Prasad Biswal, who quit from the primary membership of the BJD. Earlier, Bant Block chairman Manoranjan Ghadei, Bhadrak Block chairman Urmila Nayak, and Bhandaripokhari Block chairman Sumati Sethi had stepped down.

The rising tension reportedly prompted BJD president Naveen Patnaik to summon key Bhadrak leaders to Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar for a closed-door discussion. Sources claim Naveen expressed serious concern over the growing indiscipline and issued strong instructions to contain the crisis.

Party insiders allege that organisational interference by Samal’s son has contributed to widening resentment among local leaders, a subject now widely discussed within the party.

Speaking after the meeting, Prafulla Samal refuted rumours of leaving the BJD, asserting that he remains loyal to the leadership. 

However, Bhandaripokhari MLA Sanjib Mallick indirectly targeted Samal, stating that Naveen has entrusted the senior leader with the responsibility of restructuring and strengthening the district organisation, a remark interpreted by many as a pointed criticism.

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With frequent resignations and intensifying factional conflict, Bhadrak’s BJD unit is visibly under pressure, raising questions about the party’s organisational stability as it prepares for political battles ahead.