BJD Infighting Escalates: Factionalism within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appears to be deepening, with internal discord now surfacing in public. What began direct criticism of V.K. Pandian by senior leaders has now taken a sharp turn, as direct statements are being made against party supremo Naveen Patnaik himself.
In a bold and unprecedented move, former minister Prafulla Mallik openly criticized former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for his disapproval of BJD leaders holding informal meetings in hotels. Speaking to the media, Mallik said, “If we decide to meet in a hotel, no one can stop us. We are not afraid of surveillance. We will sit where we want. We do not need anyone’s permission.”
This statement comes in response to Patnaik’s earlier remark urging party leaders to hold discussions only at the party headquarters, Shankha Bhavan, instead of external venues. Prafulla Mallik’s defiance is being viewed as a direct challenge to the party’s top leadership.
\”We will attend official meetings at the party office, but that doesn’t mean we always have to be there for informal discussions. We are grown men; no one can tell us where we can or cannot sit and talk,” Mallik added.
The internal tension, once limited to criticism of Pandian, has now seemingly shifted focus toward Naveen Patnaik himself – a development never witnessed before in the party’s history. Political observers suggest that this could mark a major turning point, especially if more leaders join in with similar sentiments.
Mallik also did not hold back in targeting V.K. Pandian, stating, “Though Pandian had taken up ‘Political Sanyashi’ earlier, today he is actively running the party. If he claims otherwise, let him clarify his position before the media.”
Commenting on the party’s stance on the Waqf Bill, Mallik further alleged that the decision was a betrayal of public trust. “This was an act of internal sabotage. The people will never forgive such actions,” he said.
The sharp public statements have raised serious questions about the unity and future of the BJD, with many speculating that the party’s internal fabric may be facing an unprecedented test.
