The suspension of the two sitting MLAs seems to be a signal that no one should cross the line even as BJD president Naveen Patnaik no longer has the authority he once wielded during his chief ministership, a BJD leader said on condition of anonymity. File | Photo credit: ANI
The suspension of two sitting Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs by party president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik signaled an uproar within the regional party amid simmering discontent over the continued influence allegedly wielded by VK Pandian, a former IAS officer and close aide of Mr Patnaik.
Although Mr Pandian publicly announced his retirement from politics after the BJD’s defeat in the 2024 elections, party leaders claimed he continued to “call the shots” from behind the scenes.
The suspended MLAs are Sanatan Mahakud, an influential transporter from mineral-rich Keonjhar district – also the home district of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi – and Arabinda Mohapatra, son of Bijay Mohapatra, one of the founding members of the BJD. Bijay Mohapatra was unceremoniously suspended by Mr Patnaik soon after the party came to power in 2000 and has since been widely regarded as the bête noire of the BJD supremo.
Reason for suspension
On Thursday, the BJD issued a brief statement saying that the two MLAs were suspended for their involvement in “anti-party activities”. Later, party spokesperson Lenin Mohanty issued a more detailed statement, asserting that “under the dynamic leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the Biju Janata Dal stands out as one of the most successful regional parties in India with more than one million dedicated members. Party members must strictly abide by party constitutions and guidelines.”
“Strong action has always been taken against violators. Mr. Patnaik never tolerates corrupt traitors. Mr. Mohapatra and Mr. Mahakud have violated these rules,” the statement added.
However, political scientists and several party leaders disputed the official explanation. “Neither of the two leaders has been seen or observed actively engaging in anti-party activities in the recent past,” a BJD leader said on condition of anonymity.
“The suspension of the two sitting MLAs seems to be a signal that no one should cross the line even though Mr. Patnaik no longer has the power he once exercised during his Chief Ministership,” he pointed out.
Lobbying for RS seats
Anxieties in the party have also fueled grumblings that Sujata Kartikeyan, Mr Pandian’s wife and a former IAS officer herself, may be nominated to the Rajya Sabha when four seats fall vacant in April. Anticipating such a move, some leaders have openly expressed displeasure, while others are said to have supported the alleged move.
Meanwhile, speculation about the possible launch of a new regional political body in Odisha has gained momentum. Mr. Bijay Mohapatra’s recent trips to various parts of the state have further fueled these rumours. According to BJD insiders, the party leadership believes there has been a significant breakaway, with a section of leaders potentially joining the proposed new formation.
Concerns within the BJD
There are also fears within the BJD that supporters of the new party might try to influence the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections through strategic manoeuvring.
Veteran political analyst Rabi Das said the suspension appeared to be due to fear in the party leadership. “The BJD leadership is deeply concerned about the formation of a new political party that could grow at its expense. Since Bijay Mohapatra could emerge as a unifying figure in this new political equation, the party has decided to suspend his son Arabinda Mohapatra,” he said.
With state politics seemingly headed for a fresh realignment after the BJD’s dominant 25-year rule, the high-profile suspensions are widely seen as just the beginning of a larger political upheaval.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 16:18 IST
