By Sunil Jena, Editor-in-Chief | The Politics Odia
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is again facing tremors within its own ranks. Senior BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra has triggered a storm with her explosive social media post, where she openly compared the party’s leadership to Dhritarashtra from the Mahabharata. Her words have set off heated political discussions across Odisha.
In her post, Shreemayee Mishra did not hold back. She wrote about an “unworthy king”, drawing sharp parallels with Duryodhana and the infamous Draupadi humiliation in the Kuru Sabha. She warned that history will never forgive such rulers who fail to act with justice. Her post also directly attacked the culture of blind affection for the ‘adopted son’, a clear reference to BJD’s controversial leadership style after the fall of power.
This sudden outburst has left many questioning—why did Shreemayee Mishra choose to speak out now? For years, discontent has been quietly brewing within BJD’s inner circle, but this bold statement has made the dissent visible to the public. Many see it as a reflection of the growing frustration among party veterans who feel sidelined in favour of a single individual’s dominance.
The political significance of her words is deeper than just personal dissatisfaction. By invoking the Mahabharata allegory, she has highlighted the moral blindness of leadership that prioritises personal loyalty over merit and accountability. Her words suggest that a party once known for discipline and strong leadership under Naveen Patnaik is now struggling with cracks, rebellion, and a loss of direction.
Across Odisha, political observers, media houses, and even common citizens are now engaged in intense debates. Is this the beginning of an open revolt within BJD? Or is it a calculated move to test the strength of the party’s current leadership?
What is certain is that Shreemayee Mishra’s post has shaken the BJD from within. At a time when the party is already struggling to find its ground in opposition, such public dissent only adds fuel to the perception that all is not well inside the BJD family.
The coming days will reveal whether this was just a one-time expression of anger or the start of a much larger rebellion. But one thing is clear—the Dhritarashtra allegory has struck a nerve, and BJD’s political future may not remain untouched by this wave of discontent.
