Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: Former Odisha Minister and Junagarh MLA Dibyashankar Mishra’s sudden reversal on the question of succession has added a new twist to the ongoing leadership debate within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). After initially backing Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo as a potential successor, Mishra has now declared Naveen Patnaik as the party’s “indispensable leader,” raising fresh questions about internal pressures and factional divides, political observers said on Thursday.

Western Odisha Voices for Change

The leadership row began with Mishra’s statement in favour of Singh Deo, which was quickly echoed by former MLA Debesh Acharya, legislator Niranjan Pujari, and former MLA Padmanabh Behera. These leaders argued that Singh Deo’s experience and political legacy positioned him as a strong candidate to lead the party in the post-Naveen era.

Coastal Leaders Push Back

However, coastal Odisha leaders have strongly resisted the succession push. Senior party leaders such as Ganeswar Behera and Arun Sahoo criticised the calls for change, while disciplinary committee member Sarada Jena directly targeted Mishra and Acharya, accusing them of making statements to appease specific interests rather than reflecting party consensus.

Mishra’s Reversal

Mishra’s latest statement praising Naveen Patnaik as an unparalleled leader has sparked speculation about whether his earlier remarks were personal or made under external influence. His U-turn has left party cadres and observers questioning the extent of factionalism within BJD and whether hidden pressures are shaping the debate.

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Larger Crisis in BJD

The succession row comes at a time when BJD is grappling with its first major electoral setback in two decades, following the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha defeats. Analysts warn that the growing rift between Western and Coastal Odisha leaders could deepen the party’s crisis, complicating its organisational strength and future strategy.