Senior BJD Leader Sasmita Patra Resigns from Rajya Sabha Leadership Role
Sasmita Patra, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal, has resigned from his position as the party leader in the Rajya Sabha. This decision follows the election of Satya Mishra to the Rajya Sabha and reflects internal dissatisfaction among party members regarding Patra's leadership. Known for his strong voice on national and state issues, Patra has been a significant figure in the party and has recently protested against derogatory remarks made about a former chief minister. His resignation marks a notable shift in the party's dynamics.
| Apr 9, 2026, 15:30 IST
Sasmita Patra Steps Down from BJD Leadership in Rajya Sabha
Senior leader Sasmita Patra of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has officially resigned from his position as the party leader in the Rajya Sabha. This information was confirmed by party sources. BJD President Naveen Patnaik has accepted Patra's resignation, as stated in a party announcement. This development comes shortly after the election of Patnaik's political secretary, Satya Mishra, to the Rajya Sabha.
BJD sources indicated that Mishra will take over Patra's position in the Rajya Sabha. Patra, who has served as a member of the Rajya Sabha twice, has been leading the BJD parliamentary party since 2022, following his re-election. Additionally, it has been reported that dissatisfaction among a faction of BJD MPs regarding his leadership may have contributed to his resignation. Currently, there are six BJD members in the Rajya Sabha. Last April, a group of BJD MPs openly criticized Patra for announcing the party's changed stance on the Waqf Bill. While the regional party opposed the bill during discussions in the Rajya Sabha, Patra declared via social media that members were free to vote according to their conscience. This led to calls for action against him from some Rajya Sabha members and senior BJD leaders.
At 47 years old, Patra, who transitioned from academia to politics, has been a prominent voice in Parliament on both national and state issues. As the national spokesperson for BJD, he is recognized as the party's representative in New Delhi and has advocated for significant legislative matters in the upper house. Recently, he also resigned from the parliamentary standing committee on communications and information technology, chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, in protest against Dubey's derogatory remarks about former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
Patra holds an MBA and a PhD in Business Management and has previously served as Dean and Professor at Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) in Bhubaneswar. Known for his outspoken nature, he has been appointed to the panel of vice-presidents of the Rajya Sabha and has represented India in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as well as being a member of various parliamentary friendship groups.