Three Leaders Vie for BJD District President Post in Rayagada Amidst Party Challenges  

Three Leaders Vie for BJD District President Post in Rayagada Amidst Party Challenges  
Key Highlights:  
Factional rivalry and electoral setbacks shape the leadership race.  
The new president will face the dual challenge of uniting the party and countering Congress/BJP.  
Decision critical ahead of local body elections and by-polls.  
Rayagada, Odisha: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Rayagada district is witnessing an intense leadership tussle as three prominent leaders—former district council president Gangadhar Puala, former minister Jagannath Saraka, and former Gunapur Panchayat Samiti president Ashwani Gamang—are in the race for the post of district president. The appointment holds significant importance as the party aims to rebuild its organizational strength ahead of upcoming by-elections and future electoral battles.  
Key Contenders and Factional Dynamics  
Gangadhar Puala, backed by senior leader N. Bhaskar Rao, is seen as a strong organizer and a potential unifier. His previous experience as district council president and his restraint during the last elections, where he was overlooked as a candidate, have bolstered his candidacy.  
Jagannath Saraka, a former minister who faced defeat in the recent polls, is favored by Sudhir Das’s faction. Supporters argue that his experience could revitalize the party’s prospects.  
Ashwani Gamang, an uncontroversial figure with grassroots experience as a block president and district council member, is also in contention. Some leaders advocate for her appointment to strengthen the party’s presence in the weakened Gunapur constituency.  
Party’s Uphill Battle  
The BJD faces mounting challenges in Rayagada, having lost all three Assembly seats and the Koraput Lok Sabha constituency to the Congress in the recent elections. Internal discord, particularly between factions led by Bhaskar Rao and Sudhir Das, has been cited as a key reason for the party’s decline. The recent defection of Gudari block leaders to the Congress has further exacerbated tensions.  
With the BJD now in opposition at the state level and Congress dominating the district, the new president will need to navigate factionalism, mobilize workers, and strategize for the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections.
The party high command’s decision, expected by month-end, will be crucial in determining whether the BJD can reclaim its foothold in Rayagada.  
As the leadership deliberates, the focus remains on selecting a candidate capable of uniting the ranks and steering the party through a politically turbulent phase. Failure to address internal divisions could risk further setbacks for the BJD in the region.