VK Pandian's Influence in BJD: A Closer Look
In the wake of the BJD's unexpected defeat in the 2024 General Elections, VK Pandian, despite his announced retirement from active politics, remains a pivotal figure within the party. This ongoing influence has sparked considerable debate and speculation among political analysts and party members.
 |
| VK Pandian |
The Poll Debacle
The BJD's poor performance in the recent elections has been attributed to various factors, with many pointing fingers at Pandian. Political analysts and BJD workers alike have criticized the 5T Chairman, blaming him for the party's downfall. Despite this, there has been a conspicuous delay in reviewing the election results and forming a fact-finding committee, leading to suspicions about Pandian's continued clout in the party.
Internal Dynamics and Overconfidence
Senior BJD leader Badri Narayan Patra cited overconfidence and complacency as primary reasons for the defeat. He mentioned that some party members took victory for granted, leading to their downfall. Patra also noted that the Odia ‘Asmita’ (pride) factor played a role in the election results.
BJD MLA Arun Sahoo highlighted that a combination of universal, regional, and individual factors contributed to the party's poor show. He announced plans to form a committee of senior leaders to review and understand the causes of the defeat.
Party's Response to Pandian
Despite the criticism, some BJD leaders continue to avoid commenting on Pandian's role. Naveen Patnaik, the party's chief, has defended Pandian, urging supporters not to blame him for the election loss. This defense indicates that Pandian still holds significant sway within the party's leadership circle.
Leadership Decisions
Amid the introspection and analysis, the BJD is gearing up for a crucial meeting to select the leader of the Opposition. Speculation suggests that Naveen Patnaik might be chosen, although his previous infrequent attendance in the Assembly as Chief Minister raises concerns. Alternatively, senior leader Prasanna Acharya is a strong contender for the post, with senior MLA Pramila Mallick likely to be the chief whip, and Pratap Deb as her deputy.
Pandian's Continuing Influence
Despite his retirement, Pandian's presence in Bhubaneswar and frequent visits to Naveen Niwas suggest that he continues to wield considerable influence. The party's delay in addressing the reasons for its defeat and the reluctance of some leaders to discuss Pandian's role further fuel speculation about his ongoing impact on BJD's strategies and decisions.
Conclusion
VK Pandian's role in the BJD, post-retirement, remains a topic of intense debate. While some party members and political analysts hold him accountable for the electoral defeat, others defend his contributions and leadership. The forthcoming decisions on party leadership and the formation of a review committee will likely shed more light on Pandian's future influence in the BJD.
