BJD supremo’s photo missing from former party MP’s event banner, triggers speculation

A programme organised yesterday by former BJD MP Rabindra Jena in Badasahi locality of Mayurbhanj district to distribute blankets to needy people, has sparked discussion after the event banner featured neither the photo of BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik nor the party symbol, sources said on Wednesday.

Also Read: Bobby vs Dani: Rift brewing in BJD in Korei Assembly segment!

The banner was prepared in neutral colours, devoid of any party affiliation.

Observers note that this is not an isolated case. Previously, BJD MP Debashish Samantaray, senior legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain aka Raja Swain, and Sana Mahakud have conducted programmes without party-branded banners.

Speculation is now rife whether Rabindra Jena is following a similar independent approach as these leaders, or if it signals a larger political shift within the party. Sources suggest that Jena has been maintaining some distance from official BJD programmes in recent days, intensifying discussions around the event banner.

Attempts to obtain a response from BJD’s Rabindra Jena regarding the matter have so far been unsuccessful.

Worth mentioning, speculation is rife within Biju Janata Dal over a possible internal rift, with the political circles abuzz about an indirect face-off between senior leaders Pranab Prakash Das, popularly known as Bobby Das, and others linked to Korei constituency in Jajpur.

Without naming anyone directly, Bobby Das had appeared to target former MLAs from Korei during a recent programme held at Byasanagar.

Addressing the party workers, Bobby Das had said that over the last 15 to 17 years, many leaders had been given opportunities in Korei. However, after benefiting politically, they allegedly distanced themselves from the constituency.

The BJD leader remarked that such actions had created divisions and also an atmosphere of mistrust within the party, adding that unity was essential to overcome challenges.