Sunil Jena | Editor-in-Chief, The Politics
Odisha stands at the crossroads of a political shift. On one hand, the BJP’s newly elected Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is struggling to establish a strong governance model. On the other hand, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), bruised but not broken, is reorganising its power structure, with a familiar face returning to the frontlines: V.K. Pandian. As murmurs grow louder around Dharmendra Pradhan potentially taking over the BJP’s state leadership, the question arises—will he be the one to deliver the final blow to the BJD’s two-decade dominance?
Mohan Majhi’s Stumbling Start:
The initial public sentiment after Naveen Patnaik’s historic electoral defeat was one of cautious hope. Many expected the BJP to usher in a new era of governance. But within weeks, CM Mohan Majhi failed to capture the political imagination. His lack of decisiveness and visible control has left a vacuum, making many question whether he is the right man for the job or merely a placeholder.
The Pandian–Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Comeback: BJD’s Silent Countermove
During the BJP’s post-election honeymoon, two names have re-emerged with quiet but potent symbolism—V.K. Pandian and Sujata Rout Karthikeyan. Their reappearance is not coincidental. Sources close to BJD insiders suggest the duo is being groomed for a deeper role in party restructuring. This could be both a revival and a risk for a cadre used to centralised command under Naveen Patnaik. But one thing is clear: BJD is not ready to fade away.
Can Dharmendra Pradhan Finish What the BJP Started?
If Mohan Majhi is the BJP’s interim answer, Dharmendra Pradhan could be its long-term solution. A seasoned strategist, grassroots connector, and national face with deep roots in Odisha, Dharmendra’s leadership could galvanise the BJP into a truly dominant force. His potential takeover of state command has the opposition on edge, particularly the BJD, which understands his ability to reshape the battle lines completely.
Cracks Within BJD: Media Spending, Internal Dissent
As BJD attempts to regroup, internal dissent is surfacing. Senior leaders are reportedly questioning the enormous monthly expenditure on party-backed media outlets like Nandighosha TV and Sakala newspaper—expenses running into crores. The focus on controlling narratives through media rather than strengthening organisational groundwork is breeding resentment within the party. Several insiders feel that unless the party re-centres leadership and ideology, the cracks will widen.
A Looming War Ahead of 2029:
While the next assembly election is still far off, the chessboard is already active. Pandian’s tactical re-entry, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan’s symbolic leadership, Mohan Majhi’s weak debut, and Dharmendra Pradhan’s looming presence are all pieces in a high-stakes game. Odisha’s political fate may not be sealed in months, but the alignments being formed today will define its direction for years.
What we are witnessing in Odisha is not just a post-election power tussle. It is a deeper confrontation between legacy and change, old loyalties and emerging aspirations. For BJD, the challenge is clear: reorganise before Dharmendra Pradhan moves in for the kill. For the BJP, the message is equally sharp: charisma without control won’t win the next war.
The battle for Odisha has just begun. And it may be fiercer than ever before.
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