BJD’s dilemma of being anti-BJP and anti-Congress
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha is struggling to maintain a neutral political stance while avoiding being perceived as an ally to either the BJP or the Congress. Recent political actions have led to accusations from the BJP regarding the party's alignment with the INDIA bloc.
Why it matters
The political maneuvering of regional parties like the BJD significantly impacts the balance of power in Indian national and state politics.
BJD’s dilemma of being anti-BJP and anti-Congress left FIle photo of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. PTI PTI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/bqp9oh/article71610570.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/PTI10_24_2024_000003B.jpg - **EDS: SCREENGRAB VIA PTI VIDEOS** Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha chief minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik addresses citizens in a video message ahead of the landfall of Cyclone Dana, in Bhubaneswar. (PTI Photo) (PTI10_24_2024_000003B) Analysis The dilemma resurfaced on October 7, 2026, when the BJD clarified that it neither supported nor opposed the Odisha bandh called by INDIA bloc parties, maintaining that it had taken an independent and principled position BHUBANESWAR Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik’s problem appears to be not how to take on BJP in Odisha, but how to oppose it without helping Congress recover its lost ground. Mr.
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