Bhubaneswar: As the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) re-elected Naveen Patnaik as party president for a record ninth consecutive term, what stood out was not just the ceremony, but who wasn’t in the room. The conspicuous absence of several senior leaders during Saturday’s announcement has sparked speculation about growing unease within the party’s ranks, pointing to possible cracks beneath the surface.
Who was missing?
Notable absentees included senior leaders and former ministers Ranendra Pratap Swain, Prafulla Mallick, and Shashi Bhusan Behera. Others missing from the event were Bhupinder Singh, Niranjan Bishi, Sanatan Mahakud, and Rajya Sabha MPs Sulata Deo and Sasmit Patra.
Their no-shows came without any official explanation, only deepening the sense of internal discontent. Political observers suggest these absences may reflect growing frustration over recent organizational shifts and an increasingly centralized leadership style.
Some journalists who attended the meeting remarked, “Naveen Patnaik’s speech seemed disconnected from the ground. He appears more focused on social media optics than grassroots realities. Those absent are known for their deep connection with the field, and may now feel sidelined. Meanwhile, insiders seem intent on keeping Naveen in a digital cocoon, shielding V.K. Pandian from criticism.”
Emerging fault lines in the BJD
As the BJD gears up for an intense political season, it finds itself grappling with multiple challenges: Alienated seniors: Many long-time leaders feel marginalized as the influence of bureaucrat-turned-politician V.K. Pandian continues to grow.
Internal dissent: Mid-level leaders and cadres are reportedly uneasy, with dissatisfaction simmering below the surface.
Succession Ambiguity: Uncertainty persists over who will eventually take the reins from Naveen Patnaik or act as his deputy.
The Pandian factor: Pandian’s rising authority remains divisive, unsettling segments of the party’s old guard.
Weak Links in 15 districts: Ground reports suggest the party is on shaky footing in several districts, with morale running low.
Lack of a clear No. 2: The absence of a defined second-in-command is fueling confusion and competition within the party.
Organizational direction: Disputes at district and block levels are eroding internal cohesion.
Balancing Old guard and new power centers: Reconciling loyal veterans with the emergence of newer power players is proving challenging.
Disciplinary concerns: With elections looming, maintaining unity and curbing factionalism is critical.
Erosion of trust: The sidelining of veteran male leaders may require a course correction to preserve internal trust and morale.
As the BJD confronts these growing tensions, the coming months will test not just Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, but the very structure and stability of the party he has led for over two decades.
