Disintegration talk is rumour-mongering, BJD will survive for generations: Naveen Patnaik

Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik on Friday (December 26, 2025) hit out at the Opposition, accusing some sections of spreading misinformation that the BJD would break apart, and asserted the party would endure and remain relevant for more than 100 years.

Addressing BJD’s 29th Foundation Day here, Mr. Patnaik said, “in a democracy, there are victories and defeats. Now, some people and some parties are spreading misinformation about us. Rumours are being spread that the BJD will break apart.”

“I want to make it clear that the BJD is not about one or two leaders. It is a people’s movement, deeply connected to Odia aspirations and pride. The BJD exists and will continue to be the voice of the people of Odisha for the next hundred years,” he said.

Later, the BJD held a press conference saying misinformation about possible announcement about successor to Mr. Patnaik was nothing, but a mischief by some Opposition parties and section of media.

Former Odisha CM said, “The BJD is a successful regional party of the country. Since 1997, we have been serving the people of Odisha by following the ideals of Biju Babu (legendary Biju Patnaik).”

“The period from 2000 to 2024 was the golden era in Odisha’s development history. We fought poverty, starvation, infant mortality, and natural calamities and we succeeded. We gave Odisha a new identity. We empowered women, increased farmers’ incomes, provided free healthcare through schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojna, strengthened the State’s economy, attracted investment to the State, and generated employment for the youth,” said Mr. Patnaik.

Taking a dig at Bharatiya Janata Party Government, he said, “at present, a so-called double-engine government is running in Odisha. But where is the development? Farmers are not getting fertilisers. Mandis are not opening. Mission Shakti women are being harassed. The youth are disheartened. In the last 18 months of the double-engine government, 18 question papers have been leaked.”

“It does not feel like there is a functioning government in the State. It is better not to even speak about law and order. Atrocities against women are increasing, and even minor girls are not safe,” said the veteran politician.