Debashish Samantaray Quits BJD, Targets Pandian’s Influence

Bhubaneswar: Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), alleging that the growing influence of party strategist V.K. Pandian has sidelined senior leaders and weakened the organisation.

Samantaray claimed that Pandian blocked his access to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for years and focused more on suspensions than strengthening the party base.

He recalled that Patnaik had once clarified Pandian was not his successor, yet later entrusted Biju Patnaik’s residence to Pandian under a trust — a move Samantaray described as an insult to the legendary leader’s legacy.

The resignation has intensified debates within the BJD about Pandian’s role and the party’s future direction, adding to the turbulence ahead of crucial political developments in Odisha.