In a significant political move, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has expelled its senior leader and former MLA Pravat Ranjan Biswal from the party due to indiscipline and anti-party activities. The expulsion, effective immediately, was announced through an official order from the party headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Signed by BJD Vice President Pratap Jena on behalf of party president Naveen Patnaik, the order cited actions by Biswal that were deemed harmful to the party’s interests.
This decision comes as the BJD gears up for the Rajya Sabha elections set for March 16, amidst internal dissent regarding candidate selection. Biswal, a well-known figure in Odisha politics who represented the Cuttack-Choudwar constituency, has a history of serving the party in various roles, including as an organiser in coastal districts.
Despite his contributions, Biswal’s political career has been marred by controversy, notably in 2017 when he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a chit fund scam, facing allegations of financial irregularities. Although he was later granted bail, the incident affected his political reputation.
Sources within the party suggest that Biswal’s expulsion could be linked to his recent criticisms of certain leadership decisions, particularly regarding the distribution of tickets for the Rajya Sabha polls. Speculation abounds about factionalism within the BJD, with some leaders expressing discontent over the perceived influence of specific groups close to Patnaik.
Having governed Odisha for more than two decades before losing power to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2024, the BJD is now focused on strengthening its organizational structure. Naveen Patnaik, the state’s longest-serving Chief Minister, remains at the helm of the party. Biswal, on the other hand, has not yet publicly responded to his expulsion.
