Argus News - BJD Divided Over Naveen’s Nuapada Campaign Plans

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: As the November 11 by-election in Nuapada approaches, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) finds itself in a dilemma over former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s campaign schedule. While senior leader Dibyashankar Mishra claims the BJD supremo will visit Nuapada twice for electioneering, party vice-president Sanjay Das Burma insists no final decision has been made and that clarity will come by Sunday.

Leadership Discord Surfaces

The lack of coordination among BJD leaders has triggered speculation about internal divisions. A crucial meeting is scheduled in Nuapada tomorrow to finalize campaign strategies. Meanwhile, questions have emerged from within the party regarding the selection of an outsider candidate for the constituency, further fueling discontent.

Candidate Choice Under Scrutiny

BJD MLA Bibhuti Balavant Ray has indirectly questioned the party’s decision-making process. He stated that poor management led to BJD’s defeat in the last general elections, despite favourable public sentiment. Ray’s remarks suggest unease over the choice of a candidate from outside the district, subtly challenging the leadership’s judgment.


The BJD fielded former minister and president of the Biju Mahila Janata Dal (BMJD) Snehangini Chhuria as the party’s candidate for by-election to Nuapada Assembly constituency.

A Test of Popularity

With BJD placing its hopes on Naveen Patnaik’s charisma to revive its prospects in Nuapada, the bypoll is being seen as a litmus test for the party’s popularity. Whether the ex-CM’s presence can sway voters remains to be seen, especially amid internal disagreements and strategic uncertainty.