Kalikesh Singh Deo visits Naveen Nivas in Bhubaneswar amid talks of change in leadership in BJD

Speculation within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over a possible larger organisational role for Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo gained fresh momentum after his sudden visit to Naveen Nivas in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. 

The development comes amid ongoing internal discussions and differing views within the party on future leadership responsibilities.

Key Leaders Present At Naveen Nivas

Sources said Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo visited Naveen Nivas, where senior party leaders Pratap Jena and Debi Mishra were also present. The meeting triggered renewed discussion within political circles about whether Kalikesh could be entrusted with a bigger responsibility in the party organisation.

Earlier, senior leaders Dibya Shankar Mishra and Debesh Acharya had spoken on public platforms in favour of Kalikesh being given a leadership role. Their remarks had added to speculation within sections of the party, though subsequent statements suggested a more cautious tone.

Mixed Reactions Within The Party

Party leader Debi Mishra sought to downplay the significance of the meeting, saying, “There is nothing wrong with our party leaders meeting the Chief.”

However, differing opinions continue to surface. Former Kantabanji MLA Ayub Khan had earlier stated that Kalikesh was not fit for a leadership role, while party workers have reiterated that Naveen Patnaik remains their sole leader.

It may be recalled that on January 23, Kalikesh’s father, A.U. Singh Deo, had also visited Naveen Nivas, further fuelling speculation about developments within the party.

Kalikesh Responds To Speculation

Responding to media queries, Kalikesh Singh Deo clarified that the meeting was routine. “It had been a long time since I met Naveen Patnaik. I was in Bhubaneswar today, so I met him. We discussed several issues, including how the BJD can develop organisationally in Bolangir, and public and farmer anger over the government deducting bonus on 150 quintals of paddy,” he said.

Reiterating his position, he added, “Naveen Patnaik is the sole leader of the BJD. I am only a worker of the party and will carry out the duties assigned to me. We are all united behind him.”

On leaders speaking in his favour, Kalikesh said such remarks were made in appreciation during local events and made it clear that “there is no question of a second leadership.”

Also Read: Internal churn in Bolangir BJD amid talks on Kalikesh Singh Deo’s leadership role

The latest developments indicate that while speculation persists, the party leadership has so far maintained that Naveen Patnaik remains firmly at the centre of the BJD.