We (BJD) were in power for so many years and we could have created leaders. But we made a mistake by importing leaders and giving them tickets. Several block chairpersons quit the party and joined the BJP. The BJP is committing the same mistake,” said Patra.
Tensions in Kalahandi
A divide appears to be widening within the BJD, especially concerning the Kalahandi district. Reports suggest that Junagarh MLA Dibyashankar Mishra along with his supporters met party Supremo Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday. It is being said that he might challenge the current Kalahandi district president Pushpendra Singdeo, adding fuel to internal dispute or factionalism.
BJD’s official stance refutes claims of factionalism in Kalahandi, but their political opponents challenge this narrative. Jayanarayan Mishra of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) commented that the BJD has transformed into a party of ‘dumped leaders’, questioning its core stability. The BJD will collapse like a pack of cards at the blow of a whistle, Mishra said.
Advertisement
“BJD has taken leaders who have been thrown from BJP and Congress. BJP had created BJD and gave funds and snapped ties,” said Mishra.
Congress MLA from Bhawanipatna said, “BJD’s organisation is weakening. Congress is working hard at the grassroots and the party will emerge as the strongest party in Kalahandi district.”
Lanjigarh BJD MLA Pradip Dishari said, “Till now Puspendra Singhdeo is our Kalahandi district president. I am not commenting anything on any conspiracy.BJD was in power for 24 years. There were some mistakes but saying that imported leaders were responsible is not right as had it been the case how we were winning then?”
Meanwhile, BJD president Naveen Patnaik seems to be more active now and is seen attending the Odisha Assembly. However, it is speculated that Patnaik cancelled his scheduled visits to districts in November due to intense internal feud.
“As it is harvest season, our party president and former CM Naveen Patnaik will visit the district,” said BJD MLA Sharada Jena.
BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty said, “BJD president’s attempt is now to save the party. When he (Naveen) was the CM, he was not attending the Assembly. Even BJD leaders agree that it is only the BJP that can restore the pride of Odisha.”
In the midst of these challenges, the chairperson of the Baramba block quit the BJP and joined the BJP, suggesting cracks in the BJD bastion. BJD, however, claimed that Naveen Patnaik will resume his visit after the harvest season.
