Naveen Patnaik Urges Focus on Odisha’s Growth Amid BJP Tensions

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who also leads the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), spoke out on Thursday about the importance of focusing on Odisha’s growth instead of disrespecting its heroes. He emphasized that history cannot be changed just because someone wants to. Patnaik’s words came during a gathering to remember his father, Biju Patnaik, on his death anniversary.

He did not specifically mention the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, but his comments follow reports of vandalism at Biju Patnaik’s statues and the renaming of many projects that originally honored him.

In response, Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal said Patnaik’s comments were just political talk and that they respect Biju Patnaik. He also said it was not right for a former chief minister to make such statements.

Naveen Patnaik is expected to become the BJD president for the ninth time on April 19, as no one else has registered to challenge him. However, the BJD is struggling to find leaders for 15 districts because of disagreements within the party. Some party leaders are even considering starting a new political group soon.

Senior BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain has urged Patnaik to make important changes in the party, saying it has lost touch with its supporters. He wants to prevent a few individuals from taking control and causing problems within the party and spreading regional unfairness.