The so-called ‘Biju Parivar’ and ‘Biju legacy’ were always more illusion than institution. Even during Biju Patnaik’s lifetime, factionalism defined his lieutenants, compelling Naveen Patnaik to enter politics to salvage a drifting outfit. He held it together through tight control and managerial efficiency, often accused of veering into vindictive politics.

Today, legacy politics stands hollow. Loyalty is transactional; leaders switch sides with ease. Those who once revered Naveen now openly attack him post-defeat. While rival camps predict a split and collapse, his supporters bank on revival aftermath clean-up. The deeper crisis, however, is structural – years of neglecting grassroots leadership have eroded durable political loyalty.