The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is nearing the final phase of its six-stage organisational election, with senior leader Pratap Keshari Deb confirming that the party will now move towards the selection of the State Council after completing district-level appointments.
“The organisational election of BJD is still ongoing… We have now reached the final phase, which is the selection of the State Council,” Deb told media on Wednesday.
The fourth phase, involving the appointment of district presidents, saw nomination papers filed in 18 districts, all of which went uncontested and were declared unanimously.
🔍 Backdrop of Internal Strains Over Waqf Amendment Bill
While the party’s structural revamp progresses, the BJD is also navigating internal discontent stemming from its split voting pattern in the Rajya Sabha on the Waqf Amendment Bill, now a law.
The voting split exposed differences within the party, with a section launching veiled criticisms at V. Karthikeyan Pandian, a former bureaucrat-turned-politician who previously played a key role in the party’s strategic operations.
🗣️ Patnaik Comes to Pandian’s Defence
Former Chief Minister and party supremo Naveen Patnaik swiftly intervened, defending Pandian and asserting his non-involvement in party affairs since his exit nearly a year ago.
“Pandian left the party more than 10 months ago and is not involved in any of the party’s work. He shouldn’t be blamed for anything,” said Patnaik, lauding Pandian’s past contributions to both the state and the party.
🤝 Party Denies Infighting Rumours
Amid growing media speculation, senior BJD leader Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak rejected claims of internal conflict:
“There is no infighting at all. We are all united under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. Our secular credentials have always been intact, and they will remain so.”
🧩 What’s Next for BJD?
- Final phase of organisational elections: Formation of the State Council
- Continued focus on party unity and restructuring ahead of future electoral battles
- Ongoing efforts to reaffirm secular identity and maintain public trust amidst national-level legislative controversies