Old Biju Guard Set For Show Of Strength In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A significant political mobilisation is on the cards in Odisha on Friday, as several veteran leaders once associated with former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik prepare to stage a show of strength in the capital under the banner of Odisha Nagarik Manch.

The event is expected to bring together a section of senior political figures who were once key members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Leaders such as Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray, Prabhat Tripathy, Amar Prasad Sathapathy and Rabi Pani—all considered part of the “old Biju guard”—are expected to participate.

These leaders, who played a formative role in shaping the BJD during its early years, were gradually sidelined and expelled from the party over time, reportedly after differences with party president Naveen Patnaik. Many of them have since remained politically active, occasionally voicing dissent against the party’s functioning and leadership style.

Adding political weight to Friday’s gathering, suspended BJD MLA Ramakanta Bhoi on Thursday announced his participation. He has publicly described the old guard as the “real architects” of the BJD and signaled his intent to share the dais with them.

Sources indicate that the event is being positioned not merely as a reunion of former colleagues, but as an attempt to revive the ideological legacy of Biju Patnaik. Organisers claim that the original principles of inclusive governance, regional pride, and clean politics have been diluted over the years.

The veteran leaders have been increasingly vocal in their criticism of Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, alleging that the party drifted away from its founding ideals. They have accused the BJD regime from 2000 to 2024 of centralised decision-making, lack of internal democracy, and fostering nepotism and corruption—charges the party has consistently denied in the past.

Political observers believe Friday’s show of strength could have broader implications, especially at a time when Odisha’s political landscape is witnessing churn after the end of BJD’s long tenure in power. The turnout and messaging from the Friday’s event may indicate whether this grouping can emerge as a cohesive pressure bloc or remain a symbolic assertion of legacy.

All eyes are now on the scale of participation and the political signals that emerge from the gathering.