On the 29th Foundation Day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), party president Naveen Patnaik delivered a defiant message to his supporters and rivals alike, asserting that the regional outfit is a "people's movement" destined to serve Odisha for the next 100 years. Addressing party workers on Friday, Patnaik seized the opportunity to shut down rumours of an internal collapse following the 2024 election setback. "Biju Janata Dal is not about one or two leaders," he said, "it is deeply rooted in Odia aspirations and pride." This comes as a direct response to claims from senior BJP leaders, like Jaynarayan Mishra, who recently suggested the BJD would fold like a "house of cards."
While acknowledging that several high-profile members, including Rajya Sabha MPs Mamata Mahanta and Sujeet Kumar, have jumped ship to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Patnaik urged his remaining cadres to remain patient. He emphasised the party’s core ideology of the "three Ss"—Seva (service), Swabhiman (self-esteem), and Sangram (struggle)—and called on the youth wing to be more aggressive on social media to counter misinformation.
Turning his focus to the current administration, the former five-time Chief Minister launched a stinging critique of the state's "double-engine sarkar." Patnaik alleged that in just 18 months of BJP rule, the state has seen:
18 major recruitment paper leaks, causing widespread frustration among the youth.
A breakdown in law and order, specifically highlighting a rise in crimes against minor girls.
The harassment of Mission Shakti women members and a lack of support for farmers at government mandis.
The BJP was quick to dismiss Patnaik’s "100-year" vision. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari fired back, claiming the BJP is too busy with welfare projects to worry about breaking other parties. He further alleged that Patnaik himself had "shattered the political future" of many of his own leaders during his long tenure. Despite the political heat, the BJD’s Foundation Day events across the state signalled that the party is digging in for a long-term role as the primary opposition voice in Odisha.
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