Sasmit Patra, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP, has stepped down from his role as the party's floor leader, a decision accepted by party president Naveen Patnaik. Patra's resignation follows concerns among party members regarding his inability to coordinate effectively on significant issues. Reports indicate that during a recent controversy involving BJP leader Nishikant Dubey's remarks about Biju Patnaik, Patra failed to consult other MPs before announcing a walkout instead of a protest. BJD MPs criticized the lack of regular meetings to strategize on floor matters, with many feeling sidelined in decision-making. Despite the criticism, some party leaders defended Patra, stating he had previously expressed a willingness to resign and that the party had encouraged him to stay. The BJD is expected to appoint a new floor leader soon, with calls for selecting an experienced MP to lead in the House.