Factional feud surfaces in BJD’s Paradip unit on Naveen Patnaik’s birthday

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday witnessed a visible split in the party as two factions marked the birthday of BJD supremo and former Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik at separate venues in Paradip. While a group of supporters celebrated the birthday in the morning, others later celebrated separately in the evening.

The morning and evening celebrations were held independently, even as party leaders have maintained that the Paradip unit remains united.

In the morning, a group of party supporters gathered at the Biju Patnaik Memorial Trust premises in Paradip to commemorate Naveen Patnaik’s birthday. Key supporters of Sambit Rautaray and Bapi Sarkhel participated in the program, which included felicitations and other celebratory activities.

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Later in the evening, another faction organised a separate event at the Paradip Shramik Bhavan premises. The evening function was led by Paradip BJD president and municipal chairperson Basant Biswal.

The program saw the presence of former Jagatsinghpur MP Dr Kulamani Samal, along with other senior party leaders. Speaking to the media, former MP Kulamani Samal emphasised that despite the dual celebrations, the Paradip BJD remains united in its commitment and ideology.

He reassured party workers and supporters that the local unit continues to work together for the development of the region and for the welfare of the people.