Ahead of the Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) foundation day, a senior party figure has issued a stark warning about the potential for a split within the regional powerhouse. The caution comes amidst growing speculation about the possible induction of a former bureaucrat into the party's top ranks.
Warning of a Potential Split
Bhupinder Singh, a former Rajya Sabha member, stated on Thursday that any move to project an alternative leadership to Naveen Patnaik would be disastrous for the BJD. He expressed his fear that the party could fracture if talks of a "new leadership" gain momentum. Singh, who joined the BJD from the Congress ahead of the 2014 elections, emphasized the centrality of the party president, declaring, "Without Naveen Patnaik, BJD won't survive. Naveen Patnaik is BJD and BJD is Naveen Patnaik." He also asserted that Patnaik remains "healthy and fully capable."
The Sujata Kartikeyan Pandian Buzz
The internal discussion has been fueled by rumors regarding former IAS officer Sujata Kartikeyan Pandian possibly joining the party and taking on a significant role. Sujata is the wife of V.K. Pandian, the former bureaucrat who became a key BJD strategist and wielded considerable influence in the run-up to the 2024 simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. When contacted about the speculation, Sujata Kartikeyan Pandian simply stated, "I am travelling outside the country."
Mixed Reactions from Within the Party
The warning from Bhupinder Singh has elicited varied responses from other senior BJD leaders. Former minister Pratap Jena countered the remarks, suggesting that those spreading "misinformation" were never true well-wishers of the party. While firmly reiterating Naveen Patnaik's position as the unquestioned leader, Jena saw no issue with welcoming competent individuals. He noted, "Sujata was an efficient IAS officer and served the state well. We will welcome her if she wishes to join the party and serve the people."
BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty also affirmed that Naveen Patnaik is central to the party's identity. However, he urged senior colleagues like Bhupinder Singh to focus on the "failure of the present dispensation" instead. Mohanty stressed that the final decision on any new member rests solely with the party president. "Who will join the party and who will not is the prerogative of Shri Naveen Patnaik," he said.
This is not the first time Bhupinder Singh has openly questioned the party's stance on issues; he has previously raised concerns over its ambiguous position on matters like the Waqf Bill. His latest comments, made just a day before the BJD's foundation day celebrations, highlight the underlying tensions and succession debates within the party as it navigates its future path.
