BJD unity weakened after defeat; party must regroup under inclusive leadership: Prafulla Ghadei

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Prafulla Ghadei on Friday said the party is facing a visible erosion of unity following its electoral defeat and called for an inclusive approach to rebuild the organisation, stressing that responsibility must be shared and clearly led by party president Naveen Patnaik.

Speaking on the occasion of the BJD’s 29th foundation day, Ghadei said the party cannot afford to be driven by one group and must move forward by taking everyone along. He said the post-poll phase has exposed internal fragmentation that needs immediate correction if the BJD is to regain organisational strength.

“Following its electoral defeat, unity within the BJD is not what it once used to be,” Ghadei said. “Today, even as the party celebrates its foundation day, we still have highly qualified and educated people among us. I would hope for them to regroup and recalibrate the party.”

Call For Naveen Patnaik’s Active Role

Ghadei said Naveen Patnaik must take responsibility and play a more active role in guiding the party through this phase. According to him, leadership at the top is essential to ensure that all sections of the party feel included and motivated.

He pointed out that several founding members of the BJD are no longer part of the organisation, but said the absence or presence of individuals should not distract from the core issue of unity. 

“Who stays and who leaves is not the issue. The reality is that after the defeat, unity in the party has weakened,” he said.

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Need To Carry Everyone Together

Ghadei said those currently holding leadership positions must take everyone along, both within the party and those who have drifted away. He said the BJD can only be reorganised if internal differences are addressed and collective functioning is restored.

“If the leadership walks together with everyone inside and outside the party, the BJD can be rebuilt,” he said, adding that no individual or group should attempt to dominate the organisation at this stage.

He added that Odisha requires a strong regional party and urged BJD leaders to focus on constructive politics and the state’s development. “They must strengthen the party and work for the development of Odisha, as the state needs a strong regional party,” he said.

His remarks came during the BJD foundation day programmes held today, where its supremo, Naveen Patnaik, dismissed rumours of any split and assured party workers that the party will exist for another 100 years.