Internal Rift Emerges Within BJD in Odisha

Rapid Summary

• resignations: Former BJD rajya Sabha MP N. Bhaskar Rao and former minister Lal Bihari Himirika resigned from the party,announcing that they would work under the banner of ‘Biju Swabhiman Manch.’
• Background: N. Bhaskar Rao is a veteran leader with grassroots connect in Rayagada district and has historically played a key role in strengthening the BJD’s base in south Odisha.Himirika was previously Scheduled Caste and Scheduled tribes Development Minister.
• political Context: Earlier resignations by MPs Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar after the 2024 defeat did not spark notable fallout due to their limited grassroots base, unlike Mr. Rao’s resignation.
• Party Rumblings: Former BJD leaders Tathagat Satpathy and Amar Satpathy opined that public acceptance of the party is declining; Satpathy suggested that the party may rebrand itself, given its diminishing traction in Odisha politics.
• Abstention Controversy: The BJD’s decision to abstain from voting in recent Vice-Presidential elections has dented its image, triggering criticism about its political positioning as a regional player maintaining equidistance between BJP-Congress.
• Factionalism Evident: Balasore district unit appears divided into factions during Naveen Patnaik’s absence amid speculation about growing disintegration within the party.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The resignation of strong grassroots leaders like N.Bhaskar Rao signals potential instability within Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). As a regional force previously known for cohesiveness under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, recent internal disagreements-compounded by election defeats-pose challenges to its long-term unity.Deep connecting figures exiting give weight to opinions suggesting declining public support for what was once seen as an unshakable southern Odisha base.

The abstention controversy further complicates matters by undermining perceptions of independence-a precious asset for any regional party balancing electoral dynamics between national powers like BJP and Congress.

While predictions of disintegration remain speculative at this stage,visible factional divides need addressing if stability is sought ahead of upcoming political contests critical to reclaiming waning confidence among voters across diverse areas like Rayagada or Balasore.Read More