Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is witnessing growing internal dissent as senior party leaders continue to voice concerns over the influence of V.K. Pandian and his wife Sujata R Karthikeyan within the party.

Following outspoken remarks from senior leaders like Debashish Samantaray, Ranendra Pratap Swain, and Badrinarayan Patra, Bhubaneswar BJD district president Ashok Chandra Panda has now joined the chorus, intensifying the controversy.

In a pointed statement, Panda emphasized that former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not anyone’s personal property and warned against drawing “Lakshman Rekhas” within the party. “No single group can dominate the BJD. We must walk together with all sections. Discipline and inclusivity are the values Naveen Babu taught us,” he said, indirectly criticizing the Pandian couple’s perceived central role.

Panda’s remarks were met with a strong counter from senior BJD legislator Pramila Mallik, who defended the party’s leadership and dismissed the dissent as disruptive. She urged unity and adherence to party discipline, signaling a growing divide between factions.

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Political analyst Akshay Sahoo noted that the BJD is undergoing a transformation, with the Pandian couple’s loyalists increasingly shaping the party’s direction. “Those opposing Pandian may either be sidelined or forced out. The internal fire of dissent is reigniting,” he said.

The controversy reflects deeper tensions within the BJD, especially after its electoral setbacks in 2024. While the party once projected a unified front, recent statements suggest a widening rift between senior leaders and the emerging power centers.

Observers believe the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the BJD can reconcile its internal differences or face a structural realignment. With Panchayat elections on the horizon, the party’s ability to maintain cohesion will be tested.