‘BJD will exist for 100 years’: Naveen Patnaik rejects split rumours, attacks ruling party; BJP responds

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Friday firmly rejected speculation about divisions within his party, asserting that the BJD ‘exists and will continue to exist for 100 years’ as the political voice of the people of Odisha.

Speaking at the party’s foundation day programme in Bhubaneswar, Patnaik delivered a strong message of organisational unity while simultaneously launching a sharp critique of the BJP-led government in the state.

Marking its 29th foundation day, the BJD held celebrations amid internal churn and public speculation over leadership and organisational direction following the party’s loss of power. 

Addressing party leaders and workers, Patnaik said repeated attempts were being made by “some parties” to spread misinformation that the BJD would break apart, a claim he categorically dismissed.

“The BJD is not a party of one or two leaders. It is deeply connected with the emotions and pride of the people of Odisha. The BJD exists and will continue to exist, and it will remain the voice of Odias for the next 100 years,” Patnaik said.

Rebuttal To Split Speculation

Patnaik directly addressed rumours suggesting a possible split in the regional party, stating that the BJD had neither broken nor would break in the future. He underlined that the party’s strength lay in its ideological roots and mass connect, shaped by the legacy of Biju Patnaik.

“The BJD stands on the ideals of Biju Babu and will continue to serve the people of Odisha by following those principles,” he said, while urging party workers to stay focused on organisational discipline and public service.

The foundation day event took place against the backdrop of internal debates within the party, including discussions around leadership roles and recent organisational changes. 

Observers have also been closely tracking developments following the possible entry of Sujata Karthikeyan into the political discourse, which has sparked internal reactions within party circles.

Attack On ‘Double Engine’ Government

Patnaik used the occasion to mount a pointed attack on the BJP-led “double engine” government in Odisha, questioning its development claims and highlighting what he described as governance failures.

“Odisha now has a double-engine government. But where is the development?” he asked, alleging that farmers were struggling to access fertilisers and that mandis were not opening on time. He further claimed that women associated with Mission Shakti were facing difficulties and that youth in the state were increasingly frustrated.

On law and order, Patnaik said the situation had deteriorated, alleging a rise in crimes against women. He did not cite specific data during his address.

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Party Leaders Call For Course Correction

Meanwhile, senior BJD leader Muna Khan, reacting to the developments, said the party needed internal course correction to strengthen itself as an effective opposition. He stated that those dissatisfied with the party’s ideology or unwilling to work at the grassroots should be removed.

“The ideals of Biju Babu must guide the party. Those who do not work for the people or the organisation must be reminded of their responsibilities,” Khan said.

BJP Responds

The ruling BJP responded sharply to Patnaik’s remarks. BJP Yuva Morcha president Abhilash Panda questioned the former chief minister’s address, alleging that he was unable to complete his speech independently.

Panda also challenged Patnaik’s claim about the BJD’s longevity, stating that the relevance of a party depended on governance outcomes rather than duration. He cited the BJP government’s record on employment and youth empowerment under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, claiming that the public was witnessing visible changes across the state.

"Naveen Patnaik claims that his party will stay for 100 years. Even though the Communist Party remained for 100 years, what was its relevance? The flow of jobs and empowerment to the youth that is happening under the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government is visible to all the people of Odisha, and all of them know that BJD cannot match that scale."