BJP’s Personal Attacks on Senior Leaders Without Understanding Democratic Values are Unfortunate: BJD

• Naveen Patnaik’s Stand on the Judicial Custody of AshutoshRanka and Saurav Das Vindicated
• The Entire Nation Respects Naveen Babu’s Commitment to Justice, Democratic Values and the Protection of Individual Rights
• Age-Based Mud-Slinging Reflects the Distorted Mindset of Intolerant BJP Leaders
• Fulfil Electoral Promises and Answer the Questions Raised by the People

Bhubaneswar, 22/10/2026:Dr. Lenin Mohanty, Media Coordinator of the BijuJanata Dal (BJD), today strongly criticised BJP leaders in Odisha at a press conference held at SankhaBhawan. He stated that the BJP had become frustrated after failing to fulfil the promises made to the people of the State and deliver the expected performance across various sectors. Instead of acknowledging its failures and resolving people’s problems, the BJP was now resorting to personal attacks and inappropriate remarks against senior political leaders.

Dr. Mohanty stated that the development-oriented leader, Shri Naveen Patnaik, had demonstrated the courage and conviction of a true statesman by expressing his views on issues concerning the interests of the public. Naveen Babu had posted on social media regarding the judicial custody of AshutoshRanka and Saurav Das, stating that their judicial custody should be reviewed and that they should be released immediately. His stand reflected his commitment to justice, democratic values and the protection of individual rights. Millions of Indians supported the appeal made by the former Chief Minister. People across the country recognised the need to give due consideration to issues concerning the freedom and personal liberty of young leaders. Within 24 hours of Shri Naveen Patnaik’s post, both young leaders were released. This development reflects the significance of the issue raised by the BJD President and the widespread public concern generated by his appeal.

The BJD strongly condemned the recent remarks made by BJP leaders concerning age. Political differences should never become a justification for personal attacks or disrespect towards senior leaders. The remarks made by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Smt. PravatiParida and other BJP leaders concerning the age of popular leader Shri Naveen Patnaik are unfortunate and reflect intolerance.

Dr. Mohanty further stated that such remarks from individuals holding responsible public offices were entirely unbecoming. Senior leaders who have dedicated decades of their lives to public service deserve respect, irrespective of political differences. BJP leaders, who frequently speak about respecting elders, should learn to show respect to senior political leaders. In a democracy, disagreement with the views or decisions of a political leader is natural. However, repeatedly targeting a leader on the basis of age is neither a sign of political maturity nor an indication of a healthy democratic culture.

The 80-year-old Shri Naveen Patnaik is only three years older than the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri NarendraModi, and the RSS chief, Shri Mohan Bhagwat. If the BJD were to raise questions about the age of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the RSS chief, would the BJP consider such remarks appropriate? Would the BJP tolerate similar personal comments directed against senior leaders of its own party? Shri Naveen Patnaik is a statesman whose public life has been characterised by simplicity, dignity and unwavering dedication to the service of the people of Odisha.

Having failed to fulfil the promises made to the people before the elections, the BJP Government in Odisha is increasingly resorting to mud-slinging politics. The people of Odisha voted for the BJP with the hope of change, effective governance, greater economic opportunities and the fulfilment of the promises made by the party. However, the BJP Government has failed across all sectors. Therefore, the BJD has demanded that the BJP Government focus on governance, answer the questions raised by the people and provide clear explanations regarding the progress made in fulfilling its electoral promises.