The 29th death anniversary of former chief minister Biju Patnaik has sparked a political controversy in Odisha, as opposing factions prepare to hold simultaneous commemorative events.

This year, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has honored this day since its founding, will celebrate it as ‘Prabada Purusha Dibasa’ throughout the state’s 147 constituencies. The events will include seminars focusing on Biju Babu’s contributions to the independence movement and his influence on modern Odisha.

The political tension arises from a competing event organized by a faction of Biju Patnaik’s loyalists who have been marginalized from the BJD in recent years. This group, which includes former Union minister Dilip Ray, newly elected Rajya Sabha member; senior party figure Bijoy Mohapatra; editor and politician Soumya Ranjan Patnaik; Amar Satpathy; and Pravat Tripathy, has united under the banner of the Odisha Nagarika Mancha, a non-political civic organization, to host a large-scale observance for the first time.

These leaders were instrumental in the formation of the BJD following Biju Patnaik’s passing on April 17, 1997, but have since been sidelined for various reasons. They assert that Biju Babu’s legacy belongs to the entire state, transcending party lines.

Several BJD MLAs who recently crossed party lines to vote in favor of Dilip Ray during the Rajya Sabha elections have indicated their intention to participate in the event. Bijoy Mohapatra, a senior leader within the forum, stated, “Individuals who respect Biju Babu will gather to honor this day and discuss his ideologies. We have extended invitations to all, and there is no political agenda behind it.”

While the forum’s leaders claim their goal is to promote Biju Patnaik’s vision for Odisha’s progress and to invigorate civil society, the reassembly of discontented BJD leaders—especially following Ray’s election victory—carries evident political implications. Ray is also anticipated to be present at the commemoration.

A shared characteristic among the forum’s key figures is their past prominence within the BJD, from which they have since become less relevant.

Ray’s triumph over the BJD is perceived as a potential rallying point for those seeking to regain political significance. Speculation about a new political coalition in Odisha is circulating, but further clarity is expected in the upcoming months.

The BJD, having lost its grip on power after 24 years, is also facing internal strife, with veteran members publicly questioning the party’s operations. Sources suggest that the forum might serve as a new platform for these disgruntled leaders.