Is Naveen’s Re-Election As BJD President A Foregone Conclusion?

Bhubaneswar: Two days after declaring the list of 33 organization district presidents, Naveen Patnaik on Sunday will file nomination seeking re-election as the president of Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

The nomination process is being seen as a mere formality as Naveen’s re-election to the post for the eighth time is a foregone conclusion.

The official announcement after scrutiny of the nominations will, however, be made on February 26, the sources said.

The state executive members will also be filing their nominations the same day.

While Naveen’s continuance as the BJD president is a certainty, there is speculation over changing dynamics within the regional party. Post 2019 polls, the ruling party has ostensibly been trying to change its governance and political strategies. The 5T administrative framework and emphasis on makeover of temples as well as decision to conduct a census for SEBC /OBC have fuelled discussion about the party’s plans.

During BJD’s 23rd Foundation Day in December last year, Naveen had also projected the party as a “movement”, which is not dependent on his personality. “BJD is not a political party. It is not dependent on some leaders, including me, for its growth and survival,” he had said.