The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Odisha’s dominant regional party, is facing an unprecedented internal crisis as senior leaders openly challenge the party’s leadership.
With Naveen Patnaik’s health reportedly deteriorating and Bhairav Kartikeyan Pandian re-emerging in active politics, long-serving members feel increasingly marginalised.
Srimayee Mishra’s symbolic social media posts—referring to “Duryodhan” and “Sannyasi”—have stirred controversy, widely interpreted as veiled attacks on Patnaik and Pandian.
Her exclusion from electoral candidacy, despite prior assurances, has intensified frustration among veteran leaders.
The party’s reluctance to take disciplinary action against dissenters signals a weakening grip on internal control.
Analysts suggest that BJD’s centralised power structure has stifled individual growth, leading to disillusionment among its ranks.
As Odisha heads toward a politically charged future, the BJD must confront its internal fractures or risk losing its long-held dominance. Whether the leadership adapts or resists change will determine the party’s trajectory in the coming months.
