After the Nuapada by-election setback, discussions have intensified within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) about who will take over the party’s leadership.

The party’s foundation day falls on December 26, and speculation is rife that BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik might announce his successor on that occasion.

Names being floated include Sujata Rout Kartikeyan, wife of retired IAS officer VK Pandian, and Arun Patnaik, Naveen’s nephew. Some BJD leaders have reportedly proposed one of them as the heir apparent. However, the party has not issued any official clarification on this matter.

Senior BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra has not denied the succession discussions, stating that the announcement will be made by the party president when the time comes.

According to sources, the Nuapada by-el

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