Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: A storm is brewing within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) as senior Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray on Friday openly questioned the party’s leadership structure, claiming that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik no longer holds command over the party’s organization.

The Rajya Sabha MP’s remarks have yet again reignited long-standing speculation about the growing influence of VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat-turned-political strategist, over the BJD.

Pandian’s Grip on BJD?
Samantaray alleged that the reins of the party are now in Pandian’s hands, not Naveen’s. He urged the BJD president to reclaim control and steer the party directly. His comments come amid internal unrest following the suspension of senior leader Prafulla Mallik and alleged mistreatment of senior party leader Sreemayee Mishra.

The MP also criticized the party’s disciplinary actions and accused a coterie of targeting loyal members. He questioned whether decisions like Mallik’s suspension were taken without Naveen’s knowledge and hinted at a plot to malign Sreemayee Mishra.

Also Read: BJD Turmoil Deepens Over Shreemayee Mishra’s ‘Fake Monk’ Post Targeting VK Pandian

Counterfire and Factionalism
Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik countered Samantaray’s claims, accusing him of power hunger. Meanwhile, BJD corporators Ajit Behera and Manmath Rautray backed Sreemayee, alleging that internal party decisions were being manipulated to sideline her candidacy.

Behera claimed he was asked to campaign for Sreemayee as a potential MP candidate for Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency during 2024 polls, suggesting her nomination could have shifted party dynamics. However, Manmath Rautray defended his position and criticized the factional targeting.

Leadership Under Scrutiny
The unfolding drama has exposed deep divisions within BJD, with leaders split over the treatment of Prafulla Mallik and Sreemayee Mishra. As questions mount over who truly controls the party, all eyes are on Naveen Patnaik’s next move. Will he reassert his leadership or allow the internal power play to continue?

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