A blanket distribution programme organised by former BJD MP Rabindra Jena in Badasahi locality of Mayurbhanj district has set off fresh political speculation. The event banner—devoid of BJD’s signature green colours, party symbol, or the image of BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik—has drawn attention and raised questions about Jena’s current equation within the party.
Sources say the neutral banner design appeared deliberate, lacking any visual or symbolic association with the Biju Janata Dal. This incident adds to a growing list of recent programmes by BJD leaders where official party branding was notably absent. Leaders such as MP Debashish Samantaray, senior legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain (Raja Swain), and MLA Sana Mahakud have also conducted events without traditional BJD imagery, fuelling talk within political circles.
Speculation is mounting on whether Jena is adopting a more independent stance or if this reflects deeper internal dynamics within the party. Reports suggest that he has been keeping a low profile in official BJD activities lately, intensifying discussions about the significance of this event’s banner.
Attempts to obtain a statement from Rabindra Jena have so far been unsuccessful.
The development comes amid ongoing rumours of internal strains within the BJD, particularly involving senior leader Pranab Prakash Das, also known as Bobby Das, and other figures linked to the Korei constituency in Jajpur. At a recent event in Byasanagar, Bobby Das appeared to indirectly criticize former Korei MLAs, suggesting that leaders who were given opportunities over the past 15–17 years became detached from the constituency after securing political gains. He warned that such tendencies create division and mistrust, stressing the need for unity within the party.
