BJD Leaders Push Back Against Naveen Patnaik's Criticism Over Meeting Venue

BJD Leaders Defend Their Meeting Choices

Bhubaneswar: Two prominent figures from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) expressed their disagreement with party leader Naveen Patnaik's recent remarks regarding their choice of meeting location. The criticism stemmed from a gathering held at a hotel, rather than the party's official office.

Prafulla Mallik, a four-time MLA, along with Nrushingha Sahu, who has served three terms, both in their 70s, defended their decision to meet casually in a hotel, asserting that such gatherings do not constitute anti-party behavior. They emphasized that individuals should have the freedom to choose their meeting places.

The meeting, attended by 13 senior leaders including Mallik and Sahu, took place on Wednesday and was perceived as indicative of factionalism within the party, which lost power to the BJP in June 2024 after a long tenure since 2000.

Patnaik, a former chief minister, had previously stated, 'I disapprove of any large meetings in hotels held by party members. They have the party office, Sankha Bhawan, which is a large building where they’ve been instructed to hold their meetings.'

In response, Mallik rejected Patnaik's comments, clarifying that their gathering was merely a casual get-together. He suggested that misleading information may have reached Patnaik, asserting that the choice of meeting location is a personal matter.

Mallik further stated, 'We are not engaging in anti-party activities. As senior members, we have the right to meet freely.' He added that there should be no restrictions on political friendships.

Regarding the recent controversy surrounding the BJD's voting behavior on the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Mallik remarked, 'If many are questioning VK Pandian's involvement in the voting issue, he should publicly deny these allegations to clear the air.'

The BJD did not issue a directive during the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill vote, allowing MPs to act according to their conscience. Sasmit Patra, the BJD leader in the Upper House, had previously indicated that the party would oppose the bill.

Some BJD members view this as a potential strategy to assist the BJP, attributing the party's shift in stance to VK Pandian, a bureaucrat-turned-politician close to Patnaik.

Patnaik has since defended Pandian, asserting that he is not involved in party activities.

Both Mallik and Sahu reiterated their loyalty to Patnaik and the BJD, with Sahu noting, 'We simply gathered for breakfast at a hotel. Naturally, political discussions arise among leaders.' He also mentioned that while Pandian may excel as an officer, he does not fit the political mold.

BJD MLA Ashwini Patra remarked that senior leaders communicate directly with Patnaik to address any concerns, suggesting that the current confusion will soon be resolved without further discussion.