<h1>BJD President Patnaik Reprimands MLA for Missing Meeting; MLA Denies BJP Defection Rumors Amid Political Tensions.</h1> BJD president Naveen Patnaik reprimanded a party MLA in the Assembly corridor for missing a party meeting before the Odisha Budget session. The brief exchange, captured by media and widely circulated, sparked political discussions amidst BJD's recent losses. The MLA explained his absence due to illness and dismissed rumors of switching allegiance to the BJP, stating his commitment to BJD until the end of his tenure. This incident follows the defection of two BJD Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP after BJD's significant electoral defeat in 2024, where they lost state power and all Lok Sabha seats to the BJP.