Bhubaneswar, December 28 – The political landscape of Odisha witnessed a seismic shift in 2024 as the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which had dominated the state’s politics under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for over two decades, faced an unprecedented downfall. The party’s reduced tally of 51 seats in a 147-member assembly marked the end of an era. Revered for his astute political acumen, Patnaik—at 77 years of age—was unlikely to have anticipated such a dramatic loss. True to his nature, however, he accepted the mandate with grace.
The fall of the BJD was not an overnight event but rather the culmination of long-standing internal and external challenges. Two key factors stood out:
Naveen’s perceived inaction amidst growing party discontent.
The controversial rise of V.K. Pandian, Naveen’s trusted aide-turned-politician.
Naveen Factor: A Legacy Tarnished by Changing Times
As the son of the iconic Biju Patnaik, Naveen was synonymous with the BJD. His ability to read the public’s pulse and maintain party unity was unmatched. However, by 2024, the cracks in his leadership had widened. Despite recognizing the simmering dissatisfaction among voters and party leaders, the damage—spanning years—was already done.
A telling moment was his decision to contest from Kantabanji, Balangir, in addition to his home constituency of Hinjili. The strategy backfired spectacularly, as he lost to BJP candidate Laxman Bagh, (an unknown face in politics) by 16,344 votes. Even in Hinjili, his victory margin dwindled to a mere 4,636 votes.
Rising Anti-Incumbency and Leadership Void
For years, Naveen’s charisma shielded the BJD from anti-incumbency. By 2024, however, his advanced age, health issues, and limited public appearances began to erode voter confidence. His absence from the campaign trail left Pandian as the de facto leader, a shift that many voters resented. Pandian’s frequent helicopter rides and overt political maneuvering created a perception of detachment from grassroots concerns, further amplifying anti-incumbency sentiments.
The Pandian Factor: Catalyst for Collapse
V.K. Pandian’s transition from bureaucrat to politician reshaped the BJD’s dynamics. Once Naveen’s most trusted aide, Pandian’s growing dominance alienated senior leaders and grassroots workers alike. His involvement in candidate selection and administrative micromanagement sidelined elected representatives, fostering widespread resentment.
Pandian’s decision to join active politics on November 16, 2023, after taking voluntary retirement, marked a turning point. His central role in the 2024 campaigns further deepened divisions within the party, leading to defections and public spats. Leaders like Pradeep Panigrahy, Sameer Dash, and Amar Satapathy found themselves marginalized, while newcomers—often bureaucrat-backed—were prioritized for tickets.
Internal Strife and Grassroots Disconnect
The BJD’s internal rifts became increasingly visible. Infighting reached a peak in Ganjam, where leaders like Ranjita Sahoo and Latika Pradhan openly clashed. Such divisions weakened the party’s organizational strength, particularly in rural areas. Long considered the backbone of the BJD’s dominance, grassroots workers grew disillusioned by the lack of recognition and support, leading to a mass shift in allegiance to opposition parties.
Corruption Scandals and Public Distrust
A series of high-profile corruption scandals tarnished the BJD’s reputation for clean governance. Cases like the Mamita Meher murder and the Pari murder—implicating prominent leaders—dominated headlines, fueling public outrage. The BJD’s failure to act decisively against those accused undermined its moral authority, giving opposition parties ammunition to attack its integrity.
The Defection of Pradeep Panigrahy and Other Stalwart
The defection of Pradeep Panigrahy to the BJP proved to be a significant blow. Once a key ally of Naveen, Panigrahy’s mobilization of voters turned Ganjam—a traditional BJD stronghold—into a BJP bastion. In an unprecedented shift, the BJP secured 11 out of 14 seats in the district, showcasing the depth of voter dissatisfaction.
BJP’s Rise: The ‘Odia Asmita’ Campaign
The BJP’s 2024 campaign capitalized on the BJD’s vulnerabilities, emphasizing “Odia Asmita” (Odia pride). By highlighting Pandian’s Tamil Nadu origins and questioning the dominance of non-Odia bureaucrats and firms, the BJP resonated with voters’ cultural and regional sentiments. The party also criticized Naveen’s inability to speak Odia fluently, a narrative that struck a chord across the state.
The End of an Era
The cumulative effect of anti-incumbency, internal strife, corruption scandals, and the BJP’s strategic campaigning led to the BJD’s dramatic collapse. For Odisha, the 2024 elections marked the end of a political dynasty and the beginning of a new chapter. As the saffron wave swept across the state, it became clear that change was the only constant in Odisha’s political landscape.
