Naveen Patnaik’s move against Baijayant Panda may cost BJD

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik's political longevity is often attributed to his inscrutable sudden and practical decisions. The one that is most often cited is his treatment of his colleague Bijoy Mohapatra, in the early years of the Biju Janata Dal.

Mahapatra, who is described as one of Odisha's sharpest politicians, has spent the 17 years outside the party he helped found, and as Patnaik ensures every five years, outside the state assembly. He is now with the Bharatiya Janata Party. But Patnaik's move to suspend Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda from the BJD last week did not come as a surprise — even though the latter said he was shocked.

The development comes at a time when the regional party faced with serious incumbency is gearing up to take on BJP. Speculation is rife that Panda, now accused by his own party of cosying up with BJP, could be accommodated in the saffron party.

Those following Odisha politics describe Panda's suspensions as a "mutually agreed divorce".