Odisha: Naveen Patnaik defends Pandian as rebellion brews in BJD

This time, the trigger is a political firestorm within the BJD over the party’s last-minute volte-face on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

As discontent brews in the BJD ranks, senior leaders and youth brigade alike accuse Pandian —despite his formal exit from politics nearly 10 months ago— of influencing key decisions and deepening the divide.

Also Read: After BJD's defeat in polls, Naveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian quits politics

Waqf Bill fallout

The BJD had initially opposed the Waqf Bill but allowed a conscience vote in the Rajya Sabha, resulting in a split.

While Patnaik and the BJD had been vocal in their opposition to the Waqf Bill, the party shifted its stand at the last moment, deciding not to issue a whip and leave the voting to its individual party MPs as per their “conscience”.

Several BJD leaders have demanded action against the party’s Rajya Sabha floor leader Sasmit Patra for declaring the party’s changed stance through an X post, asking Patnaik to probe the matter.

Due to the change of stand at the last moment, the Waqf Bill got support from some BJD MPs during the voting.

Many party veterans allege this move was orchestrated by Pandian. Patnaik, however, stated categorically that Pandian had no role in the party’s functioning anymore.

The BJD party chief defended Pandian, stating, "I want to state quite clearly that Kartikeyan Pandian has done a lot of good work not only for the state but also for the party. Also, he left the party more than 10 months ago and is in no way involved in any of the party’s work."

Also Read: Odisha: Patnaik says Pandian not his successor, calls his criticism unfortunate

Growing internal dissent

Senior party leaders, including former ministers and MLAs, met at a hotel instead of Sankha Bhawan, the BJD headquarters, to express their resentment—something Patnaik strongly disapproved of. He reminded them that all meetings should be held at the party office.

A separate letter by BJD’s younger leaders urged Patnaik to take control of the situation. They claim the party is being steered by a camp loyal to Pandian, which is reshaping internal structures.

'Secular identity at risk'

Muslim leaders and community members have expressed anger over the Waqf Bill support, accusing the party of compromising its secular stance.

Slogans like “Pandian hatao, BJD bachao” (remove Pandian, save BJD) echoed outside Naveen Niwas, the official residence of Naveen Patnaik, reflecting the deepening unrest.

Also Read: 'Tamil babu' Pandian's unpopularity sinks Naveen Patnaik's popularity in Odisha

Patnaik’s balancing act

While Patnaik reaffirmed BJD’s secular roots and distanced Pandian from the controversy, he remained tight-lipped on who changed the party’s stand.

As the rift widens, all eyes are on the BJD supremo’s next steps—will he restore internal balance or continue walking the tightrope with his trusted aide in the shadows?