Suspended leader Shreemayee Mishra blasts BJD leadership, calls for revolt against VK Pandian

Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shreemayee Mishra, who was suspended from the party, has openly called for a revolt to steer the party back on track. In an exclusive interview for OTV’s Khola Katha programme, she directly named V.K. Pandian, criticising the party leadership and alleging that decisions are being centralised by a self-styled supreme authority.

Mishra urged party workers to question their leaders at the grassroots and election committee level, asking why, despite the presence of senior leaders in Odisha, decisions were being made unilaterally. She added that if party leaders are able to provide satisfactory answers, the BJD could regain its original direction.

“BJD faced a disaster due to the self-proclaimed ultimate leader. He wore a conch badge in 2023, and in June 2024, he announced his retirement from politics. If the one who announces retirement, how can he become a leader and make decisions? Isn't it a sign of a fake sadhu,”questioned Mishra.

“Everyone has seen when ‘Chamu’ came out of the hospital, he was in his hands. He was the only person, and no leaders were visible. My revolt is against those who shattered our house and we were removed from power,” she added.

Mishra urged party workers to act against the self-proclaimed authority, whom she blamed for the party’s internal turmoil and the recent decline in organisational unity. 

“You all ask your leaders in your constituency if they will surrender or revolt. If they revolt, peace will be restored in the family (BJD). The revolt should be against VK Pandian,” she said.

“I am not against the party; I am against a person, VK Pandian. There is gender discrimination within the party. BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray came in support of me, but they could not suspend him,” she added.  

During the Khola Katha programme, Mishra also shared details of 24 pre-election surveys and discussed Pandian’s influence in Delhi’s political circles. She further revealed videos from Shankh Bhavan, which, according to her, highlight internal manipulations within the party.

Also Read: Suspended BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra once again ‘targets’ Naveen Patnaik and VK Pandian

Her statements mark a strong challenge to the current leadership, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the BJD.

No comments could be obtained from VK Pandian and BJD leaders over Mishra’s remarks.