Argus News - Internal Dissent Surfaces in BJD Over Rajya Sabha Candidates

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the main opposition party in Odisha, is facing visible strains after the announcement of its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The party supremo Naveen Patnaik declared the names of Santrupta Mishra and Dr. Datteswar Hota as nominees, but the decision has triggered discontent among senior leaders, party sources said on Saturday.

Senior BJD leader Prabhat Biswal openly voiced his displeasure, questioning why grassroots workers and long-serving leaders are overlooked in favor of individuals with proximity to the leadership. His remarks reflect a growing sentiment within sections of the party that loyalty and organizational work are not adequately rewarded.

Also Read: BJD Declares Santrupt Misra, Dr Datteswar Hota as Rajya Sabha Candidates

Adding fuel to the controversy, former BJD leader Srimayee Mishra revived her earlier social media posts criticizing Santrupta Mishra’s political and organizational credentials. Her sharp words, now re-shared, underline the unease among party members who feel sidelined in crucial decisions.

Santrupta Mishra, who previously contested from Cuttack in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and serves as Naveen Patnaik’s political secretary, has now been elevated to the Rajya Sabha. Alongside him, Dr. Datteshwar Hota, former Vice-Chancellor of Odisha University of Health Sciences and a respected medical professional, has been projected as a consensus candidate with appeals for cross-party support.

Also Read: EC Issues Notification for Rajya Sabha Polls in Odisha

The announcement comes at a time when four Rajya Sabha seats from Odisha are set to fall vacant. With the Election Commission notifying the schedule, nominations close on March 5, scrutiny will be held on March 6, withdrawals on March 9, and voting on March 16.

While BJD’s numerical strength ensures its one candidate’s victory, the internal discord underscores the challenge of balancing loyalty, merit, and political strategy. The move adds to recent murmurs within the party, suggesting that the leadership’s choices are not always universally embraced.