“Bhakta Das Sidelined: Mohan Majhi–Naveen Patnaik Meeting Reshapes Odisha Politics”
By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Dramatic developments are unfolding in Odisha politics. Odisha PCC President Bhakta Charan Das, who was dreaming of bringing Congress to power in 2029 with BJD’s support and himself becoming Chief Minister, seems to have hit a big roadblock.
When BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik was recently admitted to the hospital, Bhakta Das immediately rushed there, hoping to meet him. But to his shock, Naveen’s close aide VK Pandian not only denied him access but also allegedly insulted him. Later, Naveen released a video message saying that anyone wishing to meet him should come to Naveen Niwas.
While Bhakta was still smarting from this setback, Odisha CM Mohan Majhi suddenly visited Naveen Niwas today. Mohan met Naveen and reportedly spoke with him for 15 minutes. Sources say the discussions included ensuring smooth conduct of the upcoming Assembly session and also the upcoming Vice Presidential elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to talk directly with Naveen on the matter.
This meeting between Mohan Majhi and Naveen Patnaik has sent shockwaves across Odisha politics. The Congress camp, especially Bhakta Das, is left red-faced. For years, political observers have noted that Naveen’s political journey began with the BJP, and despite many twists and turns, he has never truly gone against the BJP to align strongly with Congress.
Now the big question arises — was Bhakta Das wrong in trying to push BJD closer to Congress? Did he, in his eagerness, distance both Rahul Gandhi and the Congress from Odisha politics? His attempt to project BJD-Congress unity, along with his earlier moves on the no-confidence motion, now seems to have backfired.
As Naveen chooses to meet Mohan Majhi instead of giving space to Bhakta Das, it is clear that the political ground in Odisha is shifting rapidly. Congress, already struggling in the state, may find itself further sidelined if BJD and BJP continue their subtle understanding.
The coming days will decide whether this was just a courtesy meeting or a deeper political alignment. But for now, Bhakta Das seems to be the biggest loser, while Naveen once again proves he holds the real cards in Odisha politics.
