Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a dominant force in Odisha politics for more than two decades, now finds itself at a crossroads. The recent defections of two Rajya Sabha MPs—Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar—to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have exposed cracks within the party, raising concerns about its future trajectory. The internal turmoil comes on the heels of significant electoral setbacks, both in the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, making it imperative for party leadership to reassess and regroup.
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Resignations Spark Alarm
The resignations of Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar from the Rajya Sabha and the BJD within a short span have dealt a major blow to the party's standing in national politics. Once the party's stronghold, the Rajya Sabha has seen its BJD representation dwindle from nine to seven. These back-to-back departures have shaken the party’s confidence and spurred discussions about potential further defections.
The loss of these MPs is particularly alarming as the BJD's presence in the Lok Sabha has already been erased. Rajya Sabha had remained a beacon of hope for the party to assert its influence at the national level. The crossover of these leaders to the BJP, especially after the BJD’s altered stance towards the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, is seen by insiders as part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the BJD.
BJD's Changing Equations with BJP
Historically, the BJD had maintained a delicate balance with the BJP, often supporting the Modi government on key issues without officially being part of the NDA. This strategic cooperation helped the party remain influential despite not aligning with the BJP-led coalition. However, the 2024 election outcomes brought a significant shift in the BJD’s approach. After losing both the Lok Sabha and state elections, the BJD distanced itself from the ruling dispensation at the Centre, positioning itself as a "strong and vibrant Opposition."
Naveen Patnaik, long considered the face of the BJD, stepped into a more hands-on role as the head of the party’s parliamentary strategy. The move signalled a shift in the party’s game plan, but it may have also inadvertently exposed internal fissures that the BJP has been quick to exploit.
The Defectors' Justifications
Mamata Mohanta, who returned to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP nominee in a recent bypoll, was the first to defect. Following her exit, Sujeet Kumar also resigned from the party, citing corruption within the BJD and the underdevelopment of his home district, Kalahandi. Kumar's decision was framed as a moral stand against what he described as widespread corruption that hindered the progress of the region. Despite his previous significant roles within the party, including his work on election management and social media strategy, Kumar decided that he could no longer stay silent.
It is worth noting that Kumar's defection has deeper political implications. His credentials, which include an MBA from Oxford and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard, along with his connections to international organizations, make him a valuable asset for any party. His departure not only diminishes the BJD’s intellectual and managerial prowess but also sends a signal to other disillusioned members.
Kumar’s father’s association with the RSS further solidifies his ties to the BJP, suggesting that this defection was not merely a reaction to internal grievances but part of a broader alignment with the saffron party’s ideology and political ambitions.
Leadership Concerns and the Need for Change
The recent developments have prompted serious introspection within the BJD. Many in the party believe that the leadership's choices, particularly regarding Rajya Sabha nominations, have contributed to this situation. There is a growing sentiment that the BJD has failed to nurture second-rung leaders and has instead promoted figures who lack grassroots connections, which has alienated core supporters.
The absence of a clear successor to Naveen Patnaik, now in his seventies, is another critical concern. Patnaik’s towering presence has been the glue holding the BJD together for over two decades. However, with no apparent successor in place, the party is facing increasing instability. This leadership vacuum, combined with a perceived neglect of potential leaders at the grassroots level, has made the BJD vulnerable to defections and internal dissent.
A senior BJD leader, speaking anonymously, emphasized the need for "course correction" before it's too late. The party's future, they argue, depends on recalibrating its strategy and restoring faith among its rank and file.
BJD's Response and BJP's Defense
Amid these challenges, the BJD remains defiant. Spokesperson Kalikesh Singh Deo has dismissed the defections as part of a broader BJP strategy to undermine democracy by leveraging money and power. He asserted that the BJD’s connection with the people of Odisha remains strong and that no external force can sever that bond.
The BJP, on the other hand, has denied orchestrating any defections. Former Union Minister Pratap Sarangi attributed the exits to the BJD’s organizational weaknesses, rather than any machinations by his party. According to Sarangi, the defections are a result of internal discontent rather than external interference.
What Lies Ahead for BJD?
The BJD’s current challenges are multifaceted. The loss of electoral ground, combined with internal dissent and the defection of key leaders, poses a serious threat to the party’s long-term stability. The onus is now on Naveen Patnaik and the party leadership to initiate significant changes that can restore unity and purpose within the party. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether the BJD can navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger, or whether it will continue to lose ground to a resurgent BJP.
For Odisha's political landscape, the stakes are high. The BJD, which has long dominated the state, must now reckon with a changed environment, both within its ranks and in the broader political arena. The question remains: Can Naveen Patnaik once again steer his party through this crisis, or will the BJD’s era of dominance come to an end?