By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior leader and MLA Dr. Arun Sahoo, once again sparked political discussions in Odisha. This time, through a video message, Arun Sahoo appeared to be indirectly addressing party president Naveen Patnaik and his key advisor V.K. Pandian — along with five Members of Parliament — offering them what he jokingly called a “free coaching class.”
In his message, Arun Sahoo made it clear that BJD should avoid any secret or behind-the-scenes understanding with the BJP after losing power in the state. He stressed that the party should now take a strong opposition role in both the Parliament and the Odisha Legislative Assembly, just like the Congress and other opposition parties, by raising public issues without compromise.
According to Sahoo, the party’s fight in the House should be driven by the interests of the people of Odisha and the nation, not by political settlements. His statement comes at a time when speculation is growing about possible cooperation between the BJD and the BJP, despite being political rivals.
The “free class” comment has been widely discussed, with political observers seeing it as a sharp message to the party leadership to focus on genuine opposition politics rather than hidden alliances.
