Senior BJP leader and former Odisha Assembly Opposition Leader Jayanarayan Mishra has made a bold statement, claiming that the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, is on the verge of collapse due to growing internal unrest and confusion over important issues — especially the recent controversy around the Waqf Amendment Bill.
What’s the Issue Inside BJD?
Many BJD leaders are reportedly unhappy with the party’s recent decisions, particularly how it handled its stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament:
- Initially, the BJD had announced its opposition to the bill.
- Later, the party changed its tone, allowing its MPs in the Rajya Sabha to vote according to their conscience instead of following a unified party line.
This flip-flop has created a sense of confusion and frustration among party members. Several leaders blamed VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat and close aide of Naveen Patnaik, for influencing this decision.
Who Is VK Pandian and Why Is He Controversial?
VK Pandian was once a top bureaucrat and later became an active figure in BJD politics. While many BJD leaders feel he wields too much power, especially in decision-making, Naveen Patnaik has continued to support him.
Mishra pointed out that this internal dissatisfaction could worsen if Patnaik doesn’t address the issue. He also reminded that during his own tenure as Leader of the Opposition, he was among the first to speak out against Pandian’s growing influence, even when Pandian was still serving as a civil servant.
BJP’s Prediction: BJD Could Disintegrate
Jayanarayan Mishra, a five-time MLA from Sambalpur, claimed that:
“If BJP makes just a small push, the BJD could collapse entirely.”
He believes that many current BJD members are already in touch with BJP, and just a little more pressure or effort from the BJP could completely shake the foundation of the ruling party.
What Does This Mean for Odisha Politics?
- The BJD, which has long been dominant in Odisha, may now be facing serious internal divisions.
- The BJP, currently the main opposition, is looking to take advantage of the BJD’s troubles.
- The rift over the Waqf Bill has acted like a trigger, exposing cracks within the BJD leadership.
- The influence of VK Pandian remains a hot topic and is dividing opinions within the BJD itself.
The article paints a picture of political instability within BJD, with rising discontent against the leadership and strategic eyes from the BJP on its possible downfall. Whether this prediction comes true depends on how BJD manages its internal affairs — particularly the growing resistance to VK Pandian’s influence — and how assertively BJP plays its next move.
