Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Breaking a 24-year-old tradition, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik was conspicuously absent from his party’s annual October Padayatra this year. His absence has triggered political speculation and criticism, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claims Patnaik is distancing himself from Odisha’s political landscape.

A Tradition Broken
Every October, BJD organizes a Padayatra across Odisha to connect with the public and reinforce its grassroots presence. However, this year’s event lacked its most prominent face—Naveen Patnaik. Reports suggest he remains in New Delhi for an extended period, fueling rumors of his withdrawal from active state politics.

Although several party factions campaigned for his return, expectations were ultimately disappointed when Patnaik chose not to take part in the Padayatra . The absence has led to murmurs of discontent and visible factionalism within the party, especially in Cuttack, where two separate groups led by Mayor Subash Singh and MP Debashish Samantaray paid floral tributes at Gopabandhu’s statue independently.

BJP’s Sharp Criticism
BJP MLA Saroj Padhi launched a scathing attack, claiming that the people of Odisha have rejected Patnaik due to 24 years of alleged misgovernance. “Naveen has fled Odisha and no longer wishes to return,” Padhi said, adding that BJD’s future looks bleak without its leader.

The BJP also mocked the Padayatra as directionless and symbolic of BJD’s internal chaos. They pointed to growing dissent within the party, with several leaders reportedly opposing the dominance of VK Pandian, Patnaik’s close aide.

Internal Discord in BJD
Post-election setbacks have intensified factionalism within BJD. Leaders are forming separate camps, and many are openly challenging Pandian’s leadership in the party. With Patnaik’s prolonged absence, questions loom over the party’s cohesion and future strategy.