By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: Odisha politics is once again buzzing with speculation. Reliable sources within the BJD suggest that Naveen Patnaik, who will turn 79 on October 16, may retire from active politics very soon. Reports indicate that Naveen is preparing to step down as the party president and as the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly.
Interestingly, despite four days of proceedings being completed, Naveen Patnaik has not attended the assembly sessions so far. Instead, he is currently in Delhi. Adding to the intrigue, sources say Naveen will also skip campaigning for the upcoming by-election in Nuapada.
According to BJD insiders, a political understanding with the BJP’s top leadership has already been reached. As part of this deal, the Nuapada seat will be “left open” for the BJP. In exchange, Sujata Rout Kartikeyan—wife of VK Pandian and known as Naveen’s “adopted daughter”—will contest from a Kendrapada assembly constituency. The larger plan, sources suggest, is to bring her into the Odisha Assembly and position her as the Leader of Opposition, thereby ensuring the BJD legislative party remains under VK Pandian’s control.
Reports further indicate that VK Pandian has already commissioned a private survey agency to conduct ground studies in three constituencies of Kendrapada district—Rajnagar, Aul, and Balikuda-Ersama. Currently, these seats are represented by:
- Dhurba Sahu (Rajnagar)
- Pratap Keshari Deb (Aul)
- Sarada Prasanna Jena (Balikuda-Ersama)
One of these MLAs may have to vacate their seat, paving the way for Sujata Kartikeyan’s entry. The understanding is that whichever MLA steps down will be “rewarded” with a Rajya Sabha berth.
If these developments unfold as planned, Odisha could soon see a major shift in its political landscape—where Naveen Patnaik formally exits the stage, and Sujata Kartikeyan emerges as the new face of the opposition under the guidance of VK Pandian.
The big question remains: Will this plan succeed, or will it trigger fresh challenges within the BJD and beyond?
