BJD's Bikram Arukh dismisses exit rumours, pledges loyalty to Naveen Patnaik
Synopsis
A six-time MLA and former finance minister, Bikram Arukh is exactly the kind of veteran the BJD cannot afford to lose after its 2024 rout. His public denial of exit rumours is a signal of stability — but the fact that missing two PAC meetings was enough to trigger defection speculation reveals just how fragile the party's internal confidence has become.
Key Takeaways
Bikram Keshari Arukh denied rumours of leaving the BJD in a video message on 19 July .
Arukh described himself as a founder member of the BJD and reaffirmed loyalty to Naveen Patnaik .
Speculation arose after Arukh missed one or two meetings of the BJD Political Affairs Committee (PAC) .
BJP state president Manmohan Samal said he had no information on Arukh joining the ruling party, but noted its doors are open to all.
The BJD has seen multiple senior leaders exit since its defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections , ending its 24-year hold on power.
Arukh is a six-time MLA from Bhanjanagar , Ganjam district , and held portfolios including Finance and Law .
Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former minister Bikram Keshari Arukh on Sunday, 19 July firmly denied rumours of his departure from the regional party, reaffirming his commitment to work under the leadership of BJD president Naveen Patnaik. The denial came via a video message in which Arukh described himself as a founder member of the party.
What Arukh Said
In the video, Arukh addressed the swirling speculation directly. 'Today, I heard that there is a discussion in various media outlets that I am going to join another party. This is only a rumour, and there is no truth in it. I was, am, and will always remain in the BJD,' he stated.
Arukh attributed the speculation to his absence from one or two meetings of the BJD's Political Affairs Committee (PAC), of which he is a member. He clarified that personal reasons had kept him away and rejected suggestions that he was disgruntled. 'If that has given rise to speculation that I am upset or disgruntled, such claims are completely baseless,' he added.
The Speculation and Its Context
The rumours centred on a possible induction of Arukh into the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes amid a broader pattern of senior BJD leaders exiting the party following its defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, which ended the party's 24-year run in power in the state.
Notably, several prominent figures have resigned from the BJD since that electoral setback, making Arukh's absence from PAC meetings enough to fuel fresh exit speculation in political circles.
BJP's Response
BJP state president Manmohan Samal, responding to queries about Arukh's possible entry into the ruling party, told reporters that he had no information on the matter. He did, however, note that 'the doors of the ruling party are open to all' — a remark that did little to dampen speculation before Arukh's own clarification.
Arukh's Political Profile
Arukh is a six-time MLA from the Bhanjanagar Assembly constituency in Ganjam district, making him one of the most experienced legislators in Odisha. During the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, he held several key portfolios including Finance, Parliamentary Affairs, Rural Development, Law, and Forest and Environment.
His stature within the party makes any potential defection politically significant — which explains why even unverified rumours of his exit attracted wide media attention. With his public denial now on record, the question is whether the BJD's post-2024 stabilisation efforts can retain veterans of his standing through the current period of opposition.
Point of View
And every senior leader who stays quiet for a week becomes a potential defector in the political rumour mill. Arukh's denial is firm, but the BJP state president's 'doors are open' remark — however routine — keeps the narrative alive. The real story is not whether Arukh is leaving; it is whether the BJD has a coherent retention strategy for its veteran legislators as the BJP consolidates its grip on Odisha.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bikram Arukh issue a denial about leaving the BJD?
Arukh issued a video denial on 19 July after media reports speculated he might join the BJP. He said the rumours were triggered by his absence from one or two BJD Political Affairs Committee meetings, which he attributed to personal reasons.
Who is Bikram Keshari Arukh?
Bikram Keshari Arukh is a six-time MLA from the Bhanjanagar Assembly constituency in Ganjam district, Odisha, and a founding member of the BJD. He has served in multiple senior ministerial roles including Finance, Law, and Rural Development under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Why has the BJD been losing senior leaders?
The BJD suffered a decisive defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections, ending its 24-year tenure in power. Since then, several senior party figures have resigned, making the organisation vulnerable to defection speculation whenever a prominent leader appears less visible.
What did the BJP say about Arukh possibly joining them?
BJP state president Manmohan Samal told reporters he had no information about Arukh joining the ruling party, but added that the BJP's doors are open to all — a response that neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.
Is Bikram Arukh leaving the BJD?
No. Arukh categorically denied the rumours in a video message on 19 July, stating: 'I was, am, and will always remain in the BJD.' He confirmed he remains a member of the party's Political Affairs Committee.
