Senior BJD leader Latika Pradhan has stirred controversy by alleging that the party deliberately lost 10 confirmed seats in Ganjam district during the 2024 Assembly elections, a setback she says directly prevented Naveen Patnaik from returning as Chief Minister. She openly questioned the accountability of those responsible for managing the party’s campaign in the district.

Targeting Leadership and Election ManagementPradhan claimed repeated warnings were ignored and held the then district in-charge, Manas Mangaraj, responsible for the defeat, questioning whether he was actively supporting the party or “merely on a picnic” during the elections.

Call for Internal DemocracyUrging introspection, she stressed that dissenting voices within the party should not be suppressed and called for dialogue and resolution rather than sidelining concerns.

Appeal to Naveen PatnaikPradhan urged Naveen Patnaik to convene a special meeting to reorganise the party. While acknowledging some recovery under Bikram Panda, she warned that lack of accountability and limited engagement from the party leadership had weakened the organisation.

“Had I or my associates been MLAs, the outcome in Ganjam would have been different. Ten seats that were certain wins were deliberately lost, depriving Naveen Patnaik of the Chief Minister’s post. Those entrusted with responsibility were not actively managing the campaign while we were fully engaged,” Pradhan alleged.

Call for Organisational RestructuringHer remarks highlight growing concerns within the BJD and underline an urgent need for accountability and internal restructuring to strengthen the party.