By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
The Political Equation in Jajpur Is Changing
A significant political shift seems to be underway in Jajpur district, with internal dynamics within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) taking centre stage. A power struggle between senior BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das (Bobby Das) and independent Dharmasala MLA Himansu Sekhar Sahoo is at the heart of the matter.
Insiders reveal that BJD may be preparing for a strategic change in leadership within the district. The growing speculation suggests that the party is exploring the option of bringing Himansu Sekhar Sahoo into its fold — a move many see as an attempt to sideline Bobby Das.
VK Pandian’s Growing Influence
This development is widely viewed as part of a larger political strategy shaped by VK Pandian, the influential bureaucrat-turned-political advisor to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pandian, who is now playing a key role in BJD’s internal planning and restructuring, is believed to be backing fresh faces and loyalists to strengthen the party ahead of the upcoming elections.
Himansu Sekhar Sahoo’s potential entry into BJD, reportedly with Pandian’s support, is being seen as a calculated move to counterbalance Bobby Das’s longstanding dominance in Jajpur.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
Sources claim that some BJD leaders are actively lobbying for Sahoo’s inclusion in the party. The idea appears to be to position him as a grassroots alternative with strong local support, which could benefit BJD electorally.
Meanwhile, Bobby Das has maintained silence on the issue, but political observers say his grip on local organisational structure has weakened over time, especially as new power centres emerge within the party.
Is This a Risk or a Revival?
Bringing Himansu Sekhar Sahoo into BJD could energise the party in Jajpur, but it also risks internal conflict and alienation of existing leadership. If not handled carefully, this shift could backfire — either by creating factions or by losing loyal supporters of Bobby Das.
However, if VK Pandian’s strategy succeeds, it could revitalise the BJD in key districts, replacing status-quo politics with a new wave of leadership.
Conclusion political scenario in Jajpur is a classic case of internal balancing, and the Bobby Das vs. Himansu Sekhar Sahoo rivalry might just be the beginning. With VK Pandian’s rising influence in party decisions, BJD seems to be moving towards a more centralised, performance-driven structure.
As the state inches closer to elections, the developments in Jajpur will be closely watched — not just for local implications, but for what they signal about the future shape of BJD under VK Pandian’s guidance.
Stay tuned to The Politics Odia for unbiased, in-depth coverage of Odisha’s evolving political landscape.
