Argus News - “BJD Exists Only With…”: Bhupinder Singh Warns of Division in BJD

Bhubaneswar, Dec 25: On the eve of BJD’s Foundation Day, senior leader Bhupinder Singh made striking remarks about the party’s leadership and internal dynamics.

He emphasized that the identity of the BJD is inseparable from Naveen Patnaik, stating, “When people say BJD, they mean Naveen Patnaik. If Naveen Babu does not lead, the party itself loses its meaning.”

Singh revealed that both senior and junior leaders had been meeting together due to uncertainty over future leadership. Questions had lingered about whether Naveen Patnaik would continue at the helm, but Singh clarified that the former Odisha Chief Minister has now made it clear he will remain in charge.

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He cautioned that bringing in new faces without consensus could risk splitting the party. “Some groups want to induct individuals whose past actions have harmed the BJD. The president is aware of this and will decide wisely,” Singh noted.

On the entry of Sujata Pandian, Singh said there was no objection to new members joining, but stressed that timing matters. “Anyone can join and work for the party. Rewards will come in time. But the president knows this is not the right moment for such decisions,” he added.

Singh criticized the concentration of decision-making among a handful of leaders, urging a team-based approach. He highlighted past mistakes, including the exclusion of Biju Patnaik’s photo from the 2024 election posters, which he admitted was a blunder. “The party exists in Biju Babu’s name, yet his image was missing. We paid the price,” he said.

Despite lingering dissatisfaction among leaders, Singh insisted that the goal is to strengthen the BJD, not divide it or form a new outfit. “We are meeting to make the party stronger. If that is the aim, everyone must be brought forward,” he concluded.