Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: In a dramatic escalation of internal dissent, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday suspended senior leader and former Minister Prafulla Mallik, citing “anti-party activities.”

The decision came just a day after Mallik publicly criticized the party’s functioning and warned of resignation unless structural reforms were undertaken.

ଦଳ ବିରୋଧୀ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ପାଇଁ ଢେଙ୍କାନାଳ ଜିଲ୍ଲା କାମାକ୍ଷାନଗରର ପୂର୍ବତନ ବିଧାୟକ ଶ୍ରୀ ପ୍ରଫୁଲ୍ଲ କୁମାର ମଲ୍ଲିକଙ୍କୁ ସଭାପତି ଶ୍ରୀ ନବୀନ ପଟ୍ଟନାୟକଙ୍କ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦେଶକ୍ରମେ ଦଳରୁ ନିଲମ୍ବନ କରାଯାଇଛି।#BJDWithOdisha #BJD4Odisha pic.twitter.com/rWJw7GKsaW
— Biju Janata Dal (@bjd_odisha) September 12, 2025

Mallik, a four-time MLA from Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district, had held influential portfolios such as Steel & Mines and Works during his tenure in the Naveen Patnaik-led government. His recent remarks, which included accusations of being sidelined and ignored by party colleagues, sent shockwaves through Odisha’s political circles.

Also Read: BJD Faces Internal Revolt: A Split On The Horizon!

“Ignored and Isolated”: Mallik’s Public Outcry

Speaking to reporters, Mallik yesterday lamented the party’s deviation from its founding ideology and its failure to act as a robust opposition. He claimed that despite proposing reforms like reviving the Political Affairs Committee and establishing a disciplinary panel, most of his suggestions were brushed aside.

“I am still in the BJD, but I no longer participate in any organisational activity,” Mallik had said, adding that he would quit if the party didn’t “function in the right manner”.

BJD’s Response and Political Implications

The BJD’s suspension of Mallik underscores the party’s growing sensitivity to internal criticism, especially after its loss in the 2024 Assembly elections. While the leadership has remained tight-lipped, insiders suggest the move is aimed at curbing further dissent and preserving party unity.

Mallik’s suspension adds to a string of recent defections and public grievances voiced by senior leaders, raising questions about the party’s future direction and leadership strategy.

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