Debasish Samantray. File. Photo: Facebook/Debasish Samantray
Biju Janata Dal Rajya Sabha member Debasish Samantray has resigned from the post of vice president, stating that the regional party has failed to accept the cause of defeat in the 2024 elections and take remedial measures.
In a letter addressed to former Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Monday (November 24, 2025), Mr. Samantray said, “Since our electoral poll debacle last year, following post post-electoral scenario, the party has failed to accept the cause or to take remedial measures. Strangely, the reason is on the lips of every worker and supporter of the party, and besides our desperate submissions, the party has struggled to accept the reality.”
Taking strong exceptions to his recent appointment “in the capacity of the rank of vice president”, the Rajya Sabha member said the appointment sounded like it was a senior citizen cell.
“I fail to understand what ‘in the rank of Vice-President’ really means. Besides sounding bureaucratic, such designation is demeaning and humiliating,” he said.
“I doubt that there is any place for loyalists of legendary Biju Babu or your loyalists, who have stood like rock behind your long and illustrious political career. Now our party has a new line of thought, ideology and action deviated from the Biju legacy that you epitomise,” said Mr. Samantray.
Addressing to Mr. Patnaik, the MP said, “after careful introspection, I feel rather disappointed despite my unflinching loyalty for you. Not merely for me, but for the thousands of workers of the BJD, you still remain our only hope in future. I am sure under your leadership we will regain confidence of millions of people of our State.”
“Wins and losses are natural to elections. However, we lost despite a popular Chief Minister. Every BJD cadre and leader, whether they speak out or not, know the cause behind our defeat in 2024 and earnestly hope that you will thwart any attempt being made to weaken our party, almost as if there is a design to it. I request your personal attention to tide over the present situation in the party,” Mr. Samantray said tendering his resignation.
Later speaking to media, the Rajya Sabha member alleged that the BJD was controlled by the former bureaucrat from remote locations. The dissent seems to have spread out with former Minister and BJD leader Bhupinder Singh said the party had deviated from legacy of legendary leader the late Biju Patnaik.
Published – November 25, 2025 09:34 pm IST
