Show of strength! Defeated, dissatisfied BJD leaders spotted huddling together at farmhouse

Political circles were abuzz on Friday after several defeated and dissatisfied leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) came together at a farmhouse in Chandaka, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, ahead of the New Year. 

The meeting, described by some leaders as a friendly get-together, has nevertheless sparked speculation about internal developments within the party.

According to sources, a number of senior leaders, former MLAs, and a few sitting legislators participated in the gathering. Prominent among those present were Priti Ranjan Ghadei, Rajendra Sahoo, Chandra Sarathi Behera, Sambit Routray, Latika Pradhan, Prabhu Jani, Mahidhar Rana, Sanjay Das, and Kishore Tarai, along with several other leaders. The presence of multiple leaders who were defeated in recent elections or are reportedly dissatisfied has drawn considerable attention.

Also Read: Former BJD MLA Rajendra Sahoo loses temper with mediapersons

“When a few businessmen come together, they will obviously talk about business. Likewise, we politicians will definitely speak about politics and also about our families. We are meeting here just as friends. We have also done it before and often gather and enjoy food together. Over 55 of us are gathered here, but there is no politics or anything here. We just feasted, sang songs and had fun. Everyone has sorrow in their lives, so we had this small gathering, just to relieve ourselves. There is no politics here,” claimed Sambit Routray.

However, the timing of the gathering, just before the New Year, has added to the political buzz, with many viewing it as a show of strength by a section of leaders within the BJD. Party insiders, however, downplayed the significance of the meeting, stating that it should not be seen as a sign of dissent.