Naveen Patnaik Addresses Inner Turmoil in BJD: A Response to Recent Controversies
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Synopsis
On April 9, BJD leader Naveen Patnaik addressed the party's internal conflicts regarding the Waqf bill, urging unity and cautioning against criticism of former bureaucrat V.K. Pandian, amidst rising tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik speaks on internal strife in BJD.
- Criticism of V.K. Pandian discouraged.
- Meetings advised to be held at Sankha Bhawan.
- Former MLA Pravat Tripathy is not part of BJD.
- Party leaders reaffirm unity under Patnaik's leadership.
Bhubaneswar, April 9 (NationPress) In the midst of a significant internal dispute within the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regarding the abrupt change in the party's position on the Waqf (Amendment) bill, 2025 (which is now an Act after receiving presidential assent), BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik finally spoke out on Wednesday. He urged party leaders not to criticize V.K. Pandian, a former bureaucrat who has been central to the party's recent U-turn.
Addressing the media, LoP Patnaik stated: "I want to make it very clear that Kartikeyan Pandian has contributed significantly to both the state and the party in the past. Therefore, he should not be subjected to criticism or blame. Moreover, he departed from the party over 10 months ago and is not engaged in any party activities."
The former Chief Minister also expressed his strong discontent over recent gatherings by party leaders in hotels and other venues, which have escalated the internal discord.
He advised all members to convene their meetings at the party headquarters, known as 'Sankha Bhawan' in Bhubaneswar.
"I must express my disapproval of any large meetings held in hotels by party members. The party office 'Sankha Bhawan' is a spacious venue where they have been directed to hold their meetings, and they should comply with this directive," Patnaik added.
In response to criticism aimed at Pandian by former MLA Pravat Tripathy, Patnaik remarked: "I would like to clarify that Pravat Tripathy, the ex-MLA, was expelled from the BJD several years ago due to his involvement in the chit-fund scandal and has spent time in prison. He is no longer a member of the party."
Several senior BJD leaders, including Pratap Keshari Deb, Pratap Jena, and Chandra Sekhar Sahu, were present when the BJD supremo made his remarks on Wednesday.
Subsequently, party leaders assured the media that the party remains united and all members will operate under the leadership of former Chief Minister and LoP Patnaik.
Interestingly, the BJD had previously announced its intention to oppose the controversial Waqf bill in the Rajya Sabha. However, in an unexpected turn of events, senior BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra declared that the party had not issued any whip, allowing MPs to vote based on their conscience.
This statement irked many party members, leading to intense internal strife over the past few days.
Notably, during his media briefing on Wednesday, the party president did not address the demands from discontented leaders for action against those responsible for the party's reversal on the Waqf Act.
