Jajpur BJD leaders hold meeting at Pramila Mallik’s residence in Bhubaneswar; rule out any rift within party

Senior leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) from Jajpur district held a meeting at the official residence of MLA Pramila Mallik in Bhubaneswar on Monday, triggering political discussion amid recent remarks that had sparked speculation about internal issues within the party.

The meeting was attended by several senior party leaders, including BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das, MLA Biswa Ranjan Mallick, and former MP Sarmistha Sethi. Former minister Pranab Balabantaray, MLA Sujata Sahu, and Barachana BJD leader Rajnarayan Mohapatra were also present, sources said.

Focus on Jajpur Organisation

According to party sources, the meeting primarily focused on strengthening the BJD’s organisational structure in Jajpur district and reviewing local issues. Leaders present maintained that such meetings are a routine part of internal coordination and are not indicative of any discord within the party.

Addressing speculation, MLA Pramila Mallik said, “We held discussions related to our district and the party. We have been holding such meetings earlier as well.”

Dismissing reports of a rift, she added, “There is no division among us. We regularly meet to discuss organisational matters and development-related issues.”

Remarks Trigger Political Speculation

The meeting gained significance following a recent statement by Pranab Prakash Das, who had said that “all is not well in the BJD,” sparking political speculation about possible internal differences. However, leaders present at the meeting downplayed such interpretations.

Former MLA Pritiranjan Gharai said the discussions were forward-looking. “It is the beginning of a new year and a time for new resolutions. We discussed how to strengthen the party at the grassroots level and take it forward under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik,” he said.

No Rift, Leaders Assert

Clarifying his stand, Gharai said, “There was no discussion on the earlier remark. The focus remained on strengthening the BJD organisation and addressing security and governance-related issues in Jajpur.”

He further added that public support continues to remain with the BJD, stating that alignments with the ruling party are often temporary.

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Party leaders reiterated that the meeting was purely organisational in nature and aimed at enhancing coordination and preparedness for future political challenges, firmly dismissing any suggestion of an internal crisis within the BJD.