Nearly thirty years posthumously, a significant political discussion is emerging around the legacy of Biju Patnaik, the former Chief Minister of Odisha, as events are organized to mark his 29th death anniversary this Friday.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), established to uphold the vision of the late leader, has been conducting commemorative events throughout the state. The tension arose due to a concurrent gathering organized by a faction of loyalists to Biju Patnaik, who feel increasingly marginalized within the party.
Naveen Patnaik, the president of BJD and the younger son of Biju Patnaik, made pointed remarks towards these dissident leaders for their involvement in parallel celebrations. He stated, “People know who is what. Some individuals in Odisha’s political sphere seem to take pleasure in betrayal. They should be aware that no disguise can conceal their transgressions indefinitely. The truth is known.”
While Patnaik refrained from naming anyone specifically, insiders from the BJD indicated that his comments were directed at those leaders who have recently rallied following the Rajya Sabha victory of Dilip Ray, a former Union minister and close associate of Biju Patnaik. Ray secured his position in the Rajya Sabha with the support of eight BJD MLAs who cross-voted in his favor.
Addressing the ongoing discussion regarding the delimitation Bill in Parliament, Patnaik expressed concerns about the implications for Odisha’s political identity. He emphasized that a collaborative effort to safeguard the state’s interests would be the most fitting homage to his father, stating, “Odisha has suffered from historical neglect by successive central administrations. The dignity of Odias is currently at risk. It is time for everyone to unite in the fight for our beloved Odisha.” He criticized the Odisha government for allegedly favoring the interests of the BJP over those of the people of Odisha and claimed his requests for a special assembly session to discuss the delimitation Bill had been neglected. “Is this Odia Asmita (pride)?” he questioned.
Praising his father as a figure of Odia pride, Patnaik called on all MPs from Odisha, irrespective of their political affiliations, to assertively address these issues. “If we fail to stand united at this critical moment, history will not forgive us,” he warned.
Regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill, Patnaik expressed the party’s support and noted the coincidental timing of its discussion in Parliament with the anniversary of Biju Patnaik’s death, emphasizing his role in advocating for women’s empowerment during the 1990s.
On the other hand, the Odisha Nagarika Mancha, representing the “sidelined” BJD leaders, described their initiative as a platform dedicated to voicing the concerns of Odisha and its citizens. Senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra, a longstanding associate of Biju Patnaik, took the opportunity to direct criticism towards Naveen Patnaik, thanking him for recalling Biju Patnaik’s legacy due to their efforts.
Mohapatra also accused the BJD of removing Biju Patnaik’s image from campaign materials for the 2024 elections, instead opting for the picture of a non-Odia individual, implicitly referencing Naveen’s close advisor V K Pandian.
Notable attendees of the event included Dilip Ray, journalist-turned-politician Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, and Amar Satpathy, alongside numerous individuals who had collaborated with Biju Patnaik over the years.
This situation arises amidst a backdrop of internal challenges within the BJD following its loss of power in the state in 2024, with indications that this forum may serve as a rallying point for discontented leaders.
Sujit Bisoyi, a Special Correspondent for the Indian Express, focuses on political matters, policy, and human interest stories in Odisha. He can be found on Twitter at @bisoyisujit87.
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