BJD suspends two MLAs amid internal disquiet

The suspension of two sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs by party president and Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik has signalled a churn within the regional party, amid simmering discontent over the continued influence allegedly wielded by V. K. Pandian, a former IAS officer and close aide of Mr. Patnaik.

Though Mr. Pandian had publicly announced his exit from politics following the BJD’s defeat in the 2024 elections, party leaders claimed that he continues to “call the shots” from behind the scenes.

The suspended MLAs are Sanatan Mahakud, an influential transporter from the mineral-rich Keonjhar district—also the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi—and Arabinda Mohapatra, son of Bijay Mohapatra, one of the founding members of the BJD.  Bijay Mohapatra was unceremoniously suspended by Mr. Patnaik soon after the party came to power in 2000 and has since been widely regarded as the bête noire of the BJD supremo.

Reason behind suspension

On Thursday, the BJD issued a brief statement, saying that the two MLAs had been suspended for their involvement in “anti-party activities.” Later, party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty released a more detailed statement, asserting that “under the dynamic leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal stands out as one of India’s most successful regional parties with over one crore dedicated members. Party members must strictly adhere to the party constitution and guidelines.”

“Decisive action has always been taken against violators. Mr. Patnaik never tolerates corrupt traitors. Mr. Mohapatra and Mr. Mahakud have breached these guidelines,” the statement added.

However, political analysts and several party leaders have questioned the official explanation. “Neither of the two leaders has been seen or observed actively engaging in anti-party activities in the recent past,” said a BJD leader on condition of anonymity.

“The suspension of two sitting MLAs appears to be a signal that no one should cross the redline even though Mr. Patnaik no longer wields the authority he once exercised during his chief ministerial tenure,” he pointed out.

Lobbying for RS seats 

Disquiet within the party has also been fuelled by murmurs that Sujata Kartikeyan, wife of Mr. Pandian and a former IAS officer herself, may be nominated to the Rajya Sabha when four seats fall vacant in April. Anticipating such a move, some leaders have openly expressed dissatisfaction, while others are said to have backed the purported move.

Meanwhile, speculation about the possible launch of a new regional political outfit in Odisha has gained momentum. Recent tours by Mr. Bijay Mohapatra to different parts of the State have further strengthened these rumours. According to BJD insiders, the party leadership apprehends a significant breakaway, with a section of leaders potentially aligning with the proposed new formation.

Concerns within BJD

There are also concerns within the BJD that proponents of a new party could attempt to influence the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections through strategic manoeuvring.

Veteran political analyst Rabi Das said the suspensions appeared to have been driven by fear within the party leadership. “The BJD leadership is deeply worried about the formation of a new political party that could grow at its expense. Apprehending that Bijay Mohapatra could emerge as a unifying figure in this new political equation, the party moved to suspend his son, Arabinda Mohapatra,” he said.

With State politics seemingly heading towards a new realignment after the BJD’s dominant 25-year rule, the high-profile suspensions are being widely viewed as only the beginning of a larger political churn.