What’s Next for Odisha BJP? Manmohan Samal Unveils Plans for Organizational Overhaul

BJP's Strategic Shift in Odisha

In Bhubaneswar, Manmohan Samal, the president of the Odisha BJP, announced on Saturday that his primary focus will be to reorganize the party's state structure, with plans for a new team to be established shortly.

After returning from a meeting in New Delhi with senior party officials, including BJP national president JP Nadda, Samal confirmed that the restructuring process for the state unit will commence soon.

Following this, he indicated that appointments for various corporations and boards within the state would take place.

Samal emphasized that the upcoming BJP team in Odisha will include a mix of seasoned leaders and new talents, aiming to balance experience with fresh perspectives.

When questioned about a potential Cabinet expansion under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Samal stated that no discussions regarding this had occurred during his visit to Delhi.

He noted that the timing of any Cabinet expansion is ultimately the Chief Minister's decision, made in consultation with the BJP’s Central Parliamentary Board.

Samal expressed his willingness to provide input if the party seeks opinions on the Cabinet expansion.

Currently, the Majhi Cabinet consists of 15 ministers, with six positions still open within the allowed limit.

Recent discussions between the Chief Minister and the Governor have sparked speculation about an imminent Cabinet expansion.

Political analysts suggest that such an expansion may follow the completion of the party's organizational restructuring and the appointment of heads for various state corporations and boards, a process that has been pending for over a year since the BJP assumed power in Odisha.

In response to Odisha Congress president Bhakta Charan Das's remarks about supporting a no-confidence motion against the BJP government if proposed by the BJD, Samal stated, "The Opposition has every right to initiate such a motion. We are prepared to confront it."

Additionally, BJP state in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar mentioned that while no discussions on a Cabinet reshuffle have taken place, he hinted that the existing vacancies would be filled soon.