In a letter addressed directly to party president Naveen Patnaik, senior BJD leader Debashish Samantaray publicly resigned from his position as Vice-President of the BJD Senior Citizen Cell, questioning the dignity and applicability of the role.
Longtime Cuttack party organizer Samantaray declared that he would continue to work for the Biju Janata Dal but refused to accept what he called a "demeaning" title that diminishes the authority of senior leaders inside the organization.
He said in his resignation letter to Patnaik that he "failed to understand" what it meant to be named "in the rank of Vice President," calling it a bureaucratic, degrading title that did not honor veterans' contributions.

Additionally, Samantaray questioned if the party still had room for leaders who had backed Naveen Patnaik throughout his political career and supporters who upheld Biju Patnaik's legacy.
Party Direction Is Questioned in a Letter
The MP added that despite the allegiance of "thousands of workers" who still consider Naveen Patnaik as their only chance, the party's ideas and deeds appeared to be straying from the Biju heritage.
Samantaray voiced concerns about the BJD's setback in the 2024 elections, claiming that despite "every worker knowing the cause," the organization has not addressed the fundamental causes of the defeat. He called on Patnaik to personally step in and stop what he called attempts to undermine the party from inside.Resignation Comes After a Clear Rift in the Cuttack BJD Unit
Internal conflict among the Cuttack BJD unit is evident at the time of the resignation. Samantaray and Cuttack Mayor Subhas Singh have been at odds over events, invitations, and the lack of Naveen Patnaik's picture on public banners since early 2023.
Samantaray has earlier expressed dissatisfaction over omissions pertaining to Patnaik's image and distanced himself from the Mayor's programs, indicating persistent difficulties within the local leadership.
Samantaray's resignation letter has not yet received an official response from the BJD.