A significant gathering of more than 50 politicians, predominantly former legislators from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), took place on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Friday, sending ripples through Odisha's political landscape and fuelling intense speculation about potential new alignments.
A Social Lunch or Political Signal?
The luncheon meet, held at a local farmhouse, saw a large contingent of former BJD MLAs come together, a move that raised eyebrows given its timing and scale. While attendees were quick to label it a purely social event, their comments carried cryptic political undertones.
Speaking to the media, former BJD MLA Samit Routray dismissed any direct political motive but used a striking analogy. "Sometimes, unsocial elements place stones on railway tracks to cause derailment. We have laid new tracks. The party is on track. The train will run at full speed," he stated. Routray insisted the meeting was social, explaining that friends from distant places had reunited after a long time for a friendly meal.
Another former BJD MLA, Rajendra Kumar Sahoo, who attended the gathering, echoed this sentiment. "We came for a feast. There is nothing negative or political about it," Sahoo said, attempting to downplay the political chatter surrounding the event.
Timing Adds Fuel to the Fire
The meeting's timing is particularly notable, as it occurred just a day after another significant political interaction. Former Congress MLA Mohammad Moquim, recently expelled from his party for questioning the leadership, held a meeting with former minister Bijoy Mohapatra. This back-to-back activity has intensified discussions about possible new political equations being forged in the state ahead of future electoral battles.
Reactions from Major Parties
Reacting to the developments, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty asserted that the ruling party remains unfazed. He emphasized the strength and durability of the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD, describing it as one of the most successful and trusted regional parties in India. "Such developments pose no threat and will have no impact whatsoever on its political standing," Mohanty stated. He added that in a democracy, people are free to form opinions and new parties, noting that such occurrences are neither unusual nor a cause for concern.
Meanwhile, Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das acknowledged that political realignments are routine. "New equations are not unusual in politics. The Congress remains firmly rooted and will emerge stronger in the days ahead," Das commented, reflecting on the fluid nature of state politics.
The gathering of such a large number of former legislators from a single party, despite their claims of a social agenda, is widely perceived as a significant political event. It highlights the simmering discussions and potential recalibrations within Odisha's political arena, with observers keenly watching for the next move from this group.
