Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manmohan Samal is poised to be officially declared the Odisha state president for a historic fourth term, following an unopposed nomination in the party’s organisational elections under the ‘Sangathan Parv-2024’ initiative.
The election, conducted on Monday, saw Samal emerge as the sole candidate for the state president’s post, securing an unopposed victory. The process, overseen by central observer Sanjay Jaiswal, also included the submission of 32 nominations for the BJP’s national council.
The formal announcement of the state president and national council members is scheduled for Tuesday, as confirmed by the central observer and Bihar MP Sanjay Jaiswal. Jaiswal added that any objections to the nominations will be reviewed at 10 AM on July 8, with the final results announced at 11 AM.
The nomination process took place at the BJP state headquarters in Bhubaneswar, attended by prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, State In-Charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Co-In-Charge Lata Usendi, MP Sambit Patra, Co-Election Officer Sukeshi Oram, state cabinet members, MLAs, and a large gathering of party workers. Samal submitted his nomination papers to Central Election Officer Sanjay Jaiswal and State Election Officer, MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, in a ceremonial event.
A Storied Political Journey
Manmohan Samal’s association with the BJP spans decades, marked by significant contributions to the party’s growth in Odisha. He first assumed the role of state president in 1999, serving until 2004. During this period, the BJP formed a coalition government with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in 2000, coming to power in Odisha. Although Samal was unable to secure an Assembly seat in the 2000 elections, his leadership was recognized, and he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
In 2004, Samal won a seat in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and served as the Minister for Revenue, Food Supplies, and Consumer Welfare in the BJD-BJP coalition government. His tenure as a minister was marked by efforts to streamline administrative processes and address public welfare concerns. After a hiatus, Samal was reappointed as state president in 2019, a role he held leading up to the 2024 elections. His term was extended before the 2024 polls, allowing him to guide the party through a critical phase.
Leading the BJP to Power in 2024
The 2024 elections marked a turning point for the BJP in Odisha under Samal’s leadership. Breaking its long-standing alliance with the BJD, the BJP decided to contest the elections independently, a bold move spearheaded by Samal. His strategic vision paid off, as the party secured a historic victory, forming the government in Odisha with Mohan Charan Majhi as Chief Minister. However, Samal faced a personal setback, losing the Chandbali Assembly seat in a closely contested battle.
Despite this electoral defeat, Samal’s re-election as state president reflects the party’s unwavering confidence in his ability to lead. His experience, organisational skills, and deep understanding of Odisha’s political dynamics have made him a linchpin in the BJP’s state machinery.
Looking Ahead
As Odisha’s political landscape continues to evolve, Samal’s fourth term as state president comes with significant responsibilities. With the BJP now in power, his leadership will be crucial in consolidating the party’s governance, addressing public aspirations, and strengthening its organizational base ahead of future elections.
The formal announcement of his re-election on July 8 is expected to mark the beginning of a new chapter for the BJP in Odisha, with Samal at the helm.
Samal’s re-election also sends a strong message about the BJP’s commitment to continuity and stability in its leadership structure in Odisha.
As the party navigates the challenges of governance and prepares for upcoming political battles, Samal’s experience and vision will be instrumental in shaping its future trajectory.
