Biju Janata Dal (BJD) senior leader and former minister Atanu Sabyasachi Naik recently announced that Odisha is ready to re-elect Naveen Patnaik as Chief Minister. Speaking at a party meeting in Mahakalpada, Kendrapara, Atanu declared his confidence that BJD supporters are fully backing Naveen Patnaik’s leadership.
Atanu encouraged party members, affirming, “Naveen Patnaik will be the Chief Minister once again. The people of Odisha are ready to make Naveen Babu their leader.” During the open forum, he outlined the party’s strategy, noting the support of 51 BJD MLAs along with 14 Congress and 3 Independent MLAs. According to him, BJD needs just 8-10 more MLAs to secure a majority. This public gathering marked Atanu’s first address in Mahakalpada after his recent electoral loss.
In response, BJP MLA Saroj Padhi questioned Atanu’s calculations, suggesting, “Atanu knows the math, but what if 7-8 MLAs leave? 27 BJD MLAs are already in contact with the BJP.” Saroj asserted that Atanu’s statements were an attempt to deflect pressure, adding that 27 BJD MLAs aligned with BJP within three days and that Congress could split into five factions by 2029.
Congress MLA Mangu Khil stated that Congress had not engaged in talks with BJD but would consider discussions if approved by their High Command.
Previously, BJD leaders Muna Khan and MP Dekshisha Samantharai also expressed intentions to form the government.