Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party is “using people with criminal backgrounds” in the ongoing political and electoral processes, including the Rajya Sabha elections.
Addressing party leaders and reacting to recent political developments in Odisha, Patnaik questioned the BJP’s candidate selection and accused the ruling party of compromising ethical standards in politics. He said that individuals with questionable records were being projected and supported by the BJP for electoral gains.
Without naming specific candidates in his latest remarks, the BJD chief referred to earlier instances where political leaders with pending criminal cases or controversial backgrounds were fielded in elections, suggesting a pattern in BJP’s approach. His comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state following the recent Rajya Sabha polls, where cross-voting and allegations of political horse-trading have triggered exchanges between parties.
Patnaik alleged that such practices weaken democratic institutions and raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. He also stressed that political parties should uphold higher standards while selecting representatives for Parliament, especially for the Rajya Sabha, which plays a key role in lawmaking.
The BJP, however, has consistently rejected such allegations from opposition parties, calling them politically motivated. Party leaders have previously argued that candidates are selected based on public support and organisational strength, and that individuals contesting elections are subject to legal scrutiny under existing laws.
The remarks are expected to further intensify the political confrontation between the BJD and BJP in Odisha, especially in the aftermath of recent electoral contests and shifting political alignments in the state.
Political observers note that the war of words over “criminal background” allegations has become a recurring theme in Odisha politics, particularly during and after Rajya Sabha and Assembly elections, where cross-voting and party switching have added to tensions.
With both parties preparing for future electoral battles, the latest statement from Naveen Patnaik is likely to keep the political atmosphere in Odisha highly charged in the coming days.
