In a surprising turn of events, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a prominent political party in Odisha, is facing growing backlash after six of its Members of Parliament (MPs) missed a crucial meeting with the Elction Commission of India (ECI) on August 19, 2025. This incident has not only raised eyebrows but also sparked serious questions about the party’s internal dynamics and its preparedness for the upcoming elections. The absence of these MPs has become a hot topic, and the repercussions could stretch beyond just internal party matters.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, was part of a high-stakes discussion with the Election Commission of India, focusing on electoral reforms and irregularities. The gathering was critical as it aimed to address concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, a process that could have significant implications for the upcoming elections, particularly in Odisha. However, what was supposed to be a smooth and well-coordinated effort turned into a controversy when six key BJD MPs were absent, despite being in the capital for the ongoing Parliament session.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what happened, why it matters, and what it means for both the BJD and the future of Odisha’s electoral politics. We’ll explore the key takeaways, implications, and provide practical insights into understanding the situation at hand.
Backlash Builds Against BJD After 6 MPs Mysteriously Miss
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | August 19, 2025 |
| Absent MPs | Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Munna Khan, Subhasish Khuntia, Debashish Samantaray, Niranjan Bishi |
| Meeting Focus | Electoral reforms and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Odisha |
| Official Party Explanation | BJD leadership cites prior commitments as the reason for absence |
| Sources of Controversy | Allegations of internal party discord, selective exclusion, and lack of coordination |
| Political Implications | Potential internal rifts ahead of 2024 elections |
| Link to official resources |
The controversy surrounding the absence of six BJD MPs from the crucial Election Commission of India meeting highlights not only the importance of internal coordination but also the growing stakes as the 2024 elections approach. The absence of these key figures, combined with rumors of selective exclusion and internal conflicts, has raised alarms within the party and among its supporters. As the political landscape in Odisha heats up, the BJD must navigate these internal challenges carefully to maintain its hold on power.
This incident serves as a reminder that in politics, every move is scrutinized, and even a seemingly small mistake can have big consequences. As we move closer to the 2024 elections, how the BJD handles these challenges will be critical to its future in Odisha’s political arena.
What Happened?
On August 19, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) hosted a crucial meeting to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Odisha. This was a high-stakes event that aimed to address various electoral issues in the state, which has been under the political spotlight as the 2024 elections approach. However, what caught everyone’s attention was the absence of six of the party’s Members of Parliament from the meeting.
These MPs—Sasmit Patra, Manas Mangaraj, Munna Khan, Subhasish Khuntia, Debashish Samantaray, and Niranjan Bishi—were all in New Delhi at the time, attending the ongoing Parliament session. Yet, they failed to appear at the important discussion with the Election Commission. The BJD leadership quickly came forward, claiming that the MPs had prior commitments, and there was no intentional neglect or any factionalism within the party.
However, sources close to the party hinted that the six MPs were neither invited nor informed about the meeting. This has led to widespread speculation about internal rifts and selective exclusion. With such a significant issue at stake, the absence of these key figures has fueled concerns about the BJD’s unity and leadership as the state heads toward the next round of elections.
Why It Matters
This issue is much more than just a political misstep. Here’s why it matters on multiple levels:
1. Electoral Reforms and SIR
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a process designed to ensure that voter lists are accurate and up-to-date. With elections looming, this revision holds critical importance for parties in the state, especially for those who have been traditionally battling issues related to voter disenfranchisement. Any mistake in the revision process could lead to the disenfranchisement of legitimate voters, giving opposition parties an upper hand.
2. Internal Party Cohesion
The BJD, led by Naveen Patnaik, has long been known for its unity and organizational strength. However, the controversy surrounding the missing MPs has led to allegations of internal discord. Could this signal deeper issues within the party? As Odisha gears up for crucial elections in 2024, any fragmentation within the BJD could impact its chances of securing a win.
3. Political Reputation
In the world of Indian politics, appearances matter. The optics of six MPs missing from a critical meeting with the Election Commission don’t look good, especially when such a high-profile event could have consequences for the party’s political future. This situation provides fodder for opposition parties to target the BJD’s internal conflicts and question the party’s readiness for the 2024 elections.
What Did BJD Leaders Say?
To address the growing backlash, senior leaders from the BJD rushed to clarify the situation. Debi Mishra, a senior BJD leader, explained that the Election Commission of India had specifically selected only a handful of party representatives to attend the meeting, which included Mishra himself, former MP Amar Patnaik, and MP Sulata Deo. According to Mishra, the party’s absence was not intentional, and there was no issue of internal dissent.
However, this explanation has not fully convinced critics, especially as insiders suggest that the six missing MPs were neither invited nor informed about the meeting. Some have even speculated that this could be a deliberate attempt to sideline certain MPs, adding fuel to the fire of internal discord.
How Does This Impact the Upcoming Elections?
1. Electoral Roll Revisions
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is critical for the party’s ability to connect with voters. If the revision process leads to irregularities or mistakes, it could unfairly disadvantage BJD in the upcoming elections. With 2024 elections on the horizon, any controversy surrounding voter rolls could weaken the party’s position.
2. Internal Party Politics
As the party gears up for the 2024 elections, internal strife or visible division could affect the public perception of the BJD. The missing MPs’ absence could be seen as a sign that the party’s leaders are not united. This could provide a boost to opposition parties, who may seize the opportunity to highlight any cracks in the BJD’s armor.
3. Public Trust
The public’s trust in a political party is built on its ability to maintain coordination and transparency. The controversy surrounding the MPs’ absence could erode the public’s confidence in the BJD’s leadership, especially when the stakes are so high. As the party’s credibility is called into question, this could lead to lower voter turnout or voter disillusionment in certain regions.
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FAQs
1. Why did six BJD MPs miss the ECI meeting?
The BJD leadership claims that the MPs had prior commitments, and their absence was not due to any internal discord. However, some sources suggest that the MPs were neither invited nor informed about the meeting, fueling speculations about internal conflicts.
2. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a process conducted by the Election Commission of India to ensure that voter lists are accurate and up-to-date. It plays a critical role in ensuring that legitimate voters are not disenfranchised during elections.
3. How does the missing MPs controversy affect the BJD?
The controversy surrounding the missing MPs has raised questions about the internal unity of the BJD. As the 2024 elections approach, any signs of internal discord could weaken the party’s position and affect public perception.
4. Can this controversy affect voter turnout in Odisha?
Yes, controversies like this can erode the public’s trust in the party and its leadership. As the credibility of the party is questioned, it could lead to lower voter turnout or even voter disillusionment in some areas of Odisha.
