Bhubaneswar, Dec19: A gathering of over 50 leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), under the banner of “Bandhu Milan” (Friends’ meet), on Friday triggered intense political speculation. The meeting, attended by sitting and former legislators, was seen as a show of strength and a possible signal of rebellion against the BJD’s current leadership.

The BJD leaders reportedly held the Bandhu Milan near Jhumka Dam on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, raising political heat.

Youth Leaders Call for Change

Former MLA Prabhu Jani declared that young leadership must come forward, hinting at the emergence of “new equations” in the party in the coming year. Sambit Routray, another former legislator, remarked that “stones placed on the BJD track by antisocial elements are now being cleared,” while Kishore Tarai indirectly criticised party strategist V.K. Pandian without naming him.

Signs of Internal Dissent

The presence of leaders who have openly or indirectly opposed Pandian lent the event a political edge. The gathering was described by participants as a “power show,” raising questions about whether the BJD is heading towards internal division or a leadership challenge.

Parallel Developments Outside BJD

Meanwhile, discussions around the meeting between expelled Congress leader Mohammed Mokim and former Minister Bijoy Mohapatra have intensified speculation about the formation of a new regional party. Frequent visits by disgruntled BJD leaders to Delhi and closed-door meetings have further fuelled rumours of a fresh political outfit.

Historical Context

Odisha has witnessed several attempts at forming regional parties since the birth of the BJD in 1997 following Biju Patnaik’s demise. Leaders such as Pyarimohan Mohapatra (Odisha Jan Morcha), Soumya Ranjan Patnaik (Ama Odisha Party), and Kharavela Swain (Utkal Bharat) floated outfits, but none achieved lasting success. The question now is whether the current dissent will remain within the BJD or crystallise into a new party.

Reactions from Parties

BJD and Congress leaders downplayed the developments, insisting that new parties would not alter the political landscape. BJP leaders noted that many outfits have emerged and collapsed in the past, asserting that people remain focused on development.