Not Opposition But ‘Problem Of Plenty’ Could Upset BJD’s Poll Prospects

Senior Odisha leader Naba Das’ announcement of joining Biju Janata Dal (BJD) after he quit Congress party might have bolstered the ruling dispensations chances in north Odisha ahead of the forthcoming polls, but Naveen Patnaik could have a unique problem at hand to deal with in the coming months.

This time it could be the ‘problem of plenty’ within the BJD, Outlook India said in an article on Thursday. Naveen Patnaik could find it difficult to quell dissidents within the party should he decides to replace the existing candidates with new faces. Senior leaders, in such a scenario, might make life difficult for the new entrants. “Naveen may seek to contain dissidence by replacing some sitting MLAs with someone from their family. But this may not be possible everywhere,” Outlook said.

The only challenge that the CM could face is the dissidence within the party, more than the challenge from the opposition. Congress looks in no shape to take the fight to BJD, let alone challenge it in the electoral battle field. BJP too appers to have already thrown in the towel. “Disgruntled” leaders are already waiting to jump the fence, upset over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s perceived softness towards Naveen. And there are no signs that an alternate front, comprising leaders from erstwhile Biju parivaar, taking shape in real earnest.

Therefore, in such a scenario, the “only thing that can upset the BJD applecart is dissidence within the party. Naveen would need to summon all his political skill and cunning to keep it under check as he braces for an unprecedented fifth successive term as Chief Minister, Outlook said.