BJD launches annual padyatra, struggles for momentum in chief Naveen Patnaik’s absence

Usually held from October 2, the padayatra was delayed by a week this year due to the festive season. Comes as the party attempts to energise grassroot cadre.

Written by Sujit Bisoyi

Updated: October 9, 2025 07:07 PM IST

3 min read

The padayatra appeared to lack momentum in the absence of Patnaik, who has for years been BJD’s tallest leader and has been central to its outreach programmes. (file photo)

Amid the absence of party president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik — who has been in New Delhi for the past two weeks — the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Wednesday launched its annual ‘Jan Sampark Padayatra’, a statewide outreach exercise.

The regional party, which lost power in Odisha in June last year after ruling for 24 years, has been grappling with internal discontent, and leaders of the BJD say that the annual outreach programme aims to energise cadres at the grassroots and strengthen the party’s fight against the BJP government in the state.

“The BJP government in Odisha has failed in every aspect. Crime against women is rising, and there is no rule of law in the state. The government has betrayed all sections of society. During the month-long padayatra, we will reach out to people to create awareness about the failures of the state government,” senior BJD leader Arun Kumar Sahoo said.

Usually held from October 2, the padayatra was delayed by a week this year due to the festive season. Launched from Suando in Puri district — the birthplace of eminent Odia social reformer Gopabandhu Das – the programme will cover every block and urban local body in Odisha, and will continue till November 9.

However, the padayatra appeared to lack momentum in the absence of Patnaik, who has for years been BJD’s tallest leader and has been central to its outreach programmes. Senior party leaders, however, insisted that the former chief minister’s popularity continues to inspire party workers.

“Naveen Babu may not be here, but the love and affection of people are reflected in their participation in the padayatra across the state. The love of the people of Odisha is the strength of the BJD, as stated by our leader,” senior BJD leader and former minister Ashok Chandra Panda said.

With Patnaik in his late 70s and recovering from a recent surgery, his reduced involvement in organisational affairs after the 2024 defeat has created a leadership vacuum within the party. This has led to open dissent among senior leaders over key decisions — including the BJD’s support to the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre on various issues.

According to party sources, the padayatra and the recent decision to restructure the BJD’s youth and student wings are part of a renewed strategy by the leadership to unite its cadre and revive the organisation ahead of future electoral battles.

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