Debashish Samantaray Blames Pandian for Quitting BJD
Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray launched a scathing attack on BJD strategist V.K. Pandian while announcing his resignation from the party, claiming he quit because of Pandian’s growing control.
Samantaray alleged that Pandian deliberately blocked his access to BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik for years despite knowing his close association with the leader. He accused Pandian of focusing on suspensions rather than strengthening the party organisation.
The veteran leader further said that Patnaik once told him Pandian was not his successor, yet later handed over Biju Patnaik’s residence to Pandian under the name of a trust. Samantaray described this as a grave insult to Biju Patnaik’s legacy.
He declared that he could not accept Biju Patnaik’s property being transferred to “outsiders,” calling it a betrayal of Odisha’s political heritage. His remarks have intensified the debate over Pandian’s role in the party and its future direction.
Samantaray’s resignation adds to the turbulence within BJD, which faces mounting dissent from senior leaders. His statements are expected to fuel political discussions across Odisha in the coming days.
