Bhubaneswar: Politics in BJD has become confusing. After the government switched, internal disagreements within the BJD have increased. At times, one leader comes forward to exchange words with the media, while another leader comments on someone else. Thus, conflicts have escalated within the party. Looking from all perspectives, the oldest member of the Legislative Assembly, Jendra Pratap Swain, has refrained from making any comments against anyone, and instead, he stays distant and absorbs everything silently. Political analysts say that even if nothing is explicitly known, his actions speak volumes.
During the Legislative Assembly session, when Congress MLAs were suspended and were outside, BJD MLAs were present, and the assembly gate was locked. Inside the assembly, Jendra Pratap Swain and Arun Sahu were present. After that, issues related to internal problems in the party led to 8th Gad MLA Renendra writing a letter to BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. Later, on Saturday, Renendra Pratap Swain announced that Naveen Patnaik was re-elected as the president of the party for the ninth consecutive time.
While leaders from all over Odisha visited Naveen’s residence to wish him, Renendra Pratap Swain, the senior-most MLA from the Legislative Assembly, did not visit. This has created dissatisfaction within the BJD. However, one point raised is that Renendra Pratap Swain has begun to align with Congress for his son’s future. Although in 2029, when Ganendra’s age increases, Congress’ situation is also changing. There is a discussion in the 8th Gad region that Renendra may be seeking a Congress ticket for his son.
Renendra might switch to Congress. In some places, former colleagues have started saying, “This time we will go to Congress.” Politics is unpredictable—today, someone may leave BJD and join BJP, while tomorrow someone may leave BJP and join Congress. These things are not impossible. Waiting for the right moment, they may make a move.