Shreemayee Mishra’s post sparks Jay Dholakia buzz over ‘Delhi deal’; claims ‘monk’ dangerous for BJD
In yet another explosive development within Odisha’s political landscape, suspended Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shreemayee Mishra has reignited controversy with a sharply worded social media post hinting at an alleged “Delhi deal” by VK Pandian, former bureaucrat-turned-political aide of former CM Naveen Patnaik, who had earlier announced his retirement from active politics post 2024 poll debacle.
Notably, the post comes at a time when speculation is rife about Jay Dholakia, son of late four-time BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the crucial Nuapada Assembly bypoll.
Shreemayee’s Post Reignites Controversy
In her latest Facebook post, Mishra wrote in Odia, roughly translating to “The workers are left clueless while deals are struck in Delhi.” Without naming anyone directly, the remark appeared to have made a veiled attack on VK Pandian, BJD’s former bureaucrat-turned-political aide.
Mishra’s post also included a scathing line stating that “a monk in politics can be more dangerous than an opponent,” further fuelling speculation that her criticism was aimed squarely at Pandian, whom she has previously accused of centralising power within the BJD and undermining democratic functioning in the party.
The post’s timing, coinciding with reports of Jay Dholakia’s possible switch to the BJP, has intensified political intrigue across Odisha.
Questions Over Delhi Connection, Party Decisions
Speaking on the development, senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty told OTV that the timing of her post is very significant and is likely to spark major buzz within the BJD and create fissures.
“Shreemayee had earlier made serious allegations against Pandian, claiming that a deal struck in Delhi during the 2024 elections cost the BJD its majority. With this new post emerging alongside reports of Jay Dholakia’s BJP move, questions will now naturally rise within the party and among the public.”
Mohanty suggested that Mishra’s hints about a “Delhi deal” may relate to claims that certain constituencies, allegedly around 21, were deliberately lost due to ‘internal sabotage’ during the 2024 Assembly elections.
Adding to the speculation is the fact that both Naveen Patnaik and Jay Dholakia had recently been in Delhi. While the former Chief Minister’s trip was said to be official, political watchers are wondering whether Dholakia’s Delhi visit facilitated any high-level political meetings that paved the way for his possible induction into the BJP.
It is worth noting that during an interaction with OTV, Jay Dholakia had expressed his interest in contesting the Nuapada bypolls on a BJD ticket. However, why the BJD did not immediately declare Dholakia as its candidate or take any decision in this regard is still a mystery.
“Her social media post coinciding with the Jay Dholakia news hints that Shreemayee is getting news from some well-placed sources. It also appears that her jabs have some basis of truth in them,” added Mohanty.
ALSO READ: Suspended BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra once again ‘targets’ Naveen Patnaik and VK Pandian
Renewed Rebellion Against Vk Pandian
This is not the first time Mishra has publicly challenged Pandian’s influence. Just a day before her latest post, she appeared on OTV’s Khola Katha programme, where she launched a blistering attack on the BJD leadership, calling for an open “revolt” against VK. Pandian to “restore the party’s original direction.”
She accused Pandian of monopolising decision-making processes while sidelining senior BJD leaders. Her remarks have exposed the widening cracks within the BJD, which has been struggling to regain its footing since its defeat in the 2024 elections, its first major loss in over two decades.
The latest friction comes at a delicate time as the party attempts to reorganise its cadre base and prepare for upcoming by-elections.
No comments could be obtained from V K Pandian or the BJD on Shreemaye Mishra and her remarks.
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