‘New faces could split BJD’: Senior leader Bhupinder Singh’s remarks fuel Sujata Karthikeyan entry debate

Internal differences within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) sharpened on Thursday after senior party leader Bhupinder Singh issued a strong caution against the induction of 'new faces' into the party, a remark widely seen as a veiled reference to the ongoing speculation over Sujata Karthikeyan’s possible entry into active politics.

Singh’s statement comes just a day ahead of the BJD’s foundation day on December 26 and amid sustained debate within the party on leadership, acceptability, and organisational direction.

Responding to questions from media persons on the discussion surrounding V K Pandian’s wife, Sujata Karthikeyan’s potential political entry, Singh said that introducing a new individual into the party at this stage could destabilise the organisation.

Without naming anyone directly, he asserted that the consequences of such moves had already been witnessed in the past.

“To the best of my knowledge and understanding of people's sentiments, if any new person is introduced to the BJD, then the party will be at risk of splitting up. The party president is well aware of the damage that will befall if anyone is introduced,” Singh said.

Senior Leaders, Internal Dissent Referenced

Singh also referred to internal meetings involving senior leaders, stating that around 40 to 42 members had earlier come together to propose a collective leadership model where senior and young leaders would work in coordination. He said the proposal was aimed at strengthening the organisation rather than concentrating authority.

He questioned the party’s disciplinary action against former minister Prafulla Mallik, who was suspended earlier for alleged anti-party activities. Singh said the views expressed by Mallik during a meeting were shared by multiple senior leaders, and not by him alone.

“Action should have been taken against everyone present if the opinion was considered wrong. Why only one person was targeted needs to be discussed,” Singh said, reiterating that senior leaders continued to remain available for the party’s organisational needs.

He further stated that any attempt to vest party control in a single individual, apart from BJD president Naveen Patnaik, would not be acceptable within the organisation. According to Singh, Patnaik remains the only leader who understands the party in its entirety, and any deviation from this structure could affect the party’s future.

“If someone is proposing to hand over the charge of the party to one person, then Naveen Patnaik will never accept it,” he added.

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Contrasting Views Within The Party

Singh’s remarks add to a growing chorus of divergent opinions within the BJD on Sujata Karthikeyan’s possible political role. While some leaders have raised concerns over acceptability and electoral impact, others have publicly defended her.

Cuttack Mayor Subhash Singh earlier stated that the decision on Sujata Karthikeyan’s entry rested solely with Naveen Patnaik.

Senior leader and Binjharpur MLA Pramila Mallik also said that if Sujata Karthikeyan joined the BJD, she would function as an ordinary party worker. She pointed out that several former IAS officers had entered politics in the past and said the final call would be taken by the party supremo.

In contrast, BJD MP Debashish Samantaray had earlier warned that allowing her to enter the party could prove electorally damaging. He linked the party’s performance in the 2024 general elections to issues of leadership acceptance and argued that public perception could not be ignored in organisational decisions.

As of now, the BJD has not issued any official statement clarifying its position on Sujata Karthikeyan’s political role, and no formal announcement has been made regarding her entry into the party.