BJD slams BJP for personally attacking Naveen over his demand for release of CJP leaders

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) President Naveen Patnaik. File | Photo credit: ANI

Cockroach Janata Party’s support of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to Saurav Das and Ashutosh Rank created a major political controversy, with the Orissa unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing him of trying to create a Bangladesh-like situation in the country. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on the other hand, strongly condemned the alleged personal attacks against the veteran on Wednesday (October 21, 2026).

“The detention of CJP leaders Mr. Das and Mr. Ranka has raised serious questions about democratic rights and freedom of expression. An impartial investigation is necessary to find out the truth in this matter. Rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights must remain paramount in a democracy,” said Sanjay Kumar Dasburma, BJD vice president, at a press conference on Wednesday, October 21.

Soon after Mr. Patnaik on Tuesday (October 20) demanded a review of the judicial custody and release of the two CJP leaders, the Odisha unit of the BJP came out with a reaction to ‘X’ saying, “Naveen wants to create a Bangladesh-like situation in the country to shine with his own politics!”

Besides, BJP state president Manmohan Samal said that the BJD leadership has lost its direction and has no idea about its position in politics.

“Hoisting the national flag, even in a prohibited area, should not warrant such prolonged detention. The judiciary and the executive must seize the opportunity to ensure that the youth of this country do not lose faith in the rule of law and constitutional rights,” a top BJD official wrote on ‘X’.

“The manner in which BJP state president Samal criticized Mr. Patnaik for his stand on the special intensive revision issue raises serious questions about political decorum and democratic values. The ruling party has every right to disagree with the views expressed by the opposition leader. However, resorting to personal attacks instead of responding with reason and facts is completely unacceptable,” the BJD vice president said.

“Before calling Naveen Patnaik aimless, the state government must give clear answers to the people about its own direction and policies. The interests of the nation and the dignity of the constitution are equally important to everyone. But no political party has the exclusive right to issue certificates of patriotism,” he said.

Mr. Dasburma noted, “If there is disagreement with the leader’s views, the response should be based on reason and facts. Targeting the opposition under the guise of nationalism only for political gain must stop.”

The BJD vice president asked the BJP a lot of questions and said, “Do you want the opposition to agree with everything the government says? If not, why resort to such language when the opposition expresses a different view? In a democracy, asking questions is not a crime, it is a responsibility.”

In another social media post, the State BJP said, “You (Naveen Patnaik) were the CM of Odisha for 24 years and now you have been out of power for barely 24 months and you have already resorted to regime change? Your support for anarchists and foreign-funded anti-India forces who want a Bangladeshi-style violent regime change is not surprising, considering thousands of Bangladeshi immigrants planted in your own history of violent immigration.”

“Not only have you allowed them to become voters, but now you are also against the SIR process. People of Odisha have always been peaceful and respected the sovereignty of India. The sovereignty of our nation is much more important than temporary political public relations,” the party said.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 01:55 IST