‘Look at your own history’: Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari counters Naveen Patnaik’s BJD split allegation

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday launched a sharp counterattack on Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, accusing him of having a long record of weakening both rival parties and his own leaders, and rejecting claims that the BJP was attempting to split the BJD.

Pujari’s remarks came hours after Patnaik, speaking at the BJD’s foundation day programme, alleged that “some parties” were spreading misinformation that his party would break apart. Patnaik had asserted that the BJD would remain the political voice of Odisha for the next 100 years and dismissed speculation about internal divisions.

Responding to those statements, Pujari said Patnaik should “first remember his own political history” before accusing others of destabilisation. “We are so busy working for the people that we do not even have the time to think about breaking the BJD,” the minister said.

‘Work Decides Place in People’s Hearts’

Questioning Patnaik’s assertion that the BJD lives in the hearts of the people, Pujari said public trust cannot be claimed through self-certification. “How long you rule or how deeply you are in people’s hearts cannot be proven by your own declaration. Your work decides that,” he said.

Referring to victims of serious crimes, Pujari posed pointed questions. “Does Naveen Babu believe that Itishree or Babina will give him a place in their hearts? So many mothers have suffered a fate as cruel as Draupadi. Will Naveen Babu or the BJD find a place in their hearts?” he asked.

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Allegations of Political Sidelining

The Revenue Minister alleged that Patnaik had a history of stalling political careers rather than nurturing leadership. “He has killed the careers of hundreds of politicians. How many leaders has he allowed to rise?” Pujari said.

Drawing a contrast with the BJP’s internal functioning, he said his own political journey had backing and organisational support. “I, Suresh Pujari, am a minister today because someone stood by me. Leave aside the opposition…he has repeatedly sidelined leaders from within his own party,” he said.

Pujari further accused Patnaik of removing senior leaders from the BJD on what he described as false allegations, claiming that instead of building leaders, Patnaik had systematically weakened them.