Bhubaneswar, Dec 29: Factional fault lines within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have become increasingly visible following the party’s defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections, compounded by the Nuapada bypoll setback, with sharp public remarks by senior leaders underscoring growing unease within the organisation.

Senior BJD leader Badri Narayan Patra has once again launched an indirect attack on party heavyweights Pranab Prakash Das and VK Pandian, blaming internal functioning for the party’s electoral setbacks. Without mincing words, the BJD MLA from Ghasipura said the party's defeat in the general elections reflected the continued popularity of Naveen Patnaik, arguing that voters were “looking for Naveen” even as some leaders projected themselves as his alternatives.

Patra alleged that a few leaders travelled in helicopters, delivered speeches from decorated pandals and began seeing themselves as replacements for Patnaik. “But people wanted Naveen Patnaik, and the party paid the price,” he said, reiterating his criticism of what he described as “groupism” within the BJD.

He also claimed efforts were underway within the party to strengthen leaders and bring the organisation back on track, while openly backing resistance to factional politics. Patra had earlier, at a public platform, taken a jibe at Das and Pandian in an oblique manner, accusing them of weakening the party’s internal structure.

Meanwhile, discontent has surfaced in the BJD’s frontal organisations following the recent reconstitution of the Biju Yuva Janata Dal and Chhatra Janata Dal. The unrest became evident after Rourkela leader Dushmanta Routray and Bhubaneswar-based Smruti Ranjan Panda resigned from their posts soon after being appointed.

Party workers have alleged that several student and youth leaders associated with former Biju Chhatra Janata Dal president Debi Ranjan Tripathy’s camp were sidelined, while responsibilities were allegedly handed to leaders from a particular group.

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With allegations of Pandian’s growing influence already causing resentment among senior leaders, similar cracks are now visible at the grassroots level of the party organisation. Whether the BJD leadership moves to bridge these divisions or the rift widens further remains to be seen.