By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Bhubaneswar: The BJD is witnessing an intense internal debate after its disappointing loss in the Nuapada by-election. Many senior voices inside the party admit that Naveen Patnaik’s influence is no longer as strong as it once was. For the first time in decades, the “Naveen image” is no longer delivering electoral results as it once did, raising serious questions about the party’s future direction.
Amid this uncertainty, a new and significant discussion has emerged:
Will Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, the wife of V. K. Pandian and an Odia by birth, enter the BJD to stabilise the party?
According to ongoing political speculation, Sujata may contest a by-election from one of the Assembly constituencies in Kendrapada district. Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik is reportedly considering a move to the Rajya Sabha. Some discussions inside the party even suggest that Sujata could be projected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly.
However, several BJD leaders have already marked these conversations as “speculative” and denied any official decision.
Despite the denials, the buzz continues.
This debate has gained strength after the Nuapada by-election defeat, which exposed deep organisational weaknesses. Many believe that bringing Sujata into active politics could give the party a new narrative, a fresh face and possibly a stronger emotional connection with voters. But others question whether this move will genuinely revive the organisation or simply add more uncertainty.
Another factor adding fuel to the discussion is the lingering criticism inside the party regarding V. K. Pandian’s decisions during the 2024 Assembly elections. Some internal voices still believe that those decisions played a role in BJD losing power, a topic that continues to be a sensitive point in the party.
This makes the question even more relevant:
If Pandian could not stop BJD’s 2024 downfall, will bringing his wife into the party actually help? Or will it create further debate and division?
As these discussions grow louder, Odisha’s political environment is watching closely. Whether Sujata Raut Karthikeyan’s entry becomes a turning point for BJD or another chapter of internal conflict remains to be seen.
For now, the debate is strong, the speculation is active, and the future of BJD appears to be at a critical crossroads.
More analysis and updates only on The Politics Odia.
