There was a clear division within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday as two factions celebrated former Odisha Chief Minister (CM) and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik's birthday at different locations in Paradip. The birthday was honoured in the morning by a group of supporters, and in the evening by others.Party leaders have insisted that the Paradip unit is still intact, yet the morning and evening festivities were staged separately.

To celebrate Naveen Patnaik's birthday, a gathering of party supporters assembled at the Biju Patnaik Memorial Trust grounds in Paradip early in the morning. Participants in the program, which featured felicitations and other festive activities, were important supporters of Bapi Sarkhel and Sambit Rautaray.

At the Paradip Shramik Bhavan premises, a different faction arranged a separate event later in the evening. Basant Biswal, the municipal chairperson and president of Paradip BJD, presided over the evening event.

Along with other top party leaders, Dr. Kulamani Samal, a former MP from Jagatsinghpur, attended the function. Former MP Kulamani Samal underlined in a media appearance that the Paradip BJD is still unified in its principles and commitment despite the twin celebrations.
He gave supporters and party employees the reassurance that the local unit is still cooperating for the people's welfare and the advancement of the area.