Ravindra Rai, K V Singhdeo to head BJP in Jharkhand, Odisha

New Delhi: BJP on Sunday appointed Ravindra Rai, a close associate of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, as state party president, and K V Singhdeo as his Odisha counterpart ending speculation over these two key appointments.

Rai and Singhdeo were appointed by BJP President Rajnath Singh with immediate effect, the party said in a statement here.

There were reports that Munda may be made Jharkhand unit president but he is likely to be made a general secretary in Rajnath Singh's team, party sources said.

Considered close to Singh, Munda is a tribal and will represent that constituency.

Rai was earlier associated with Babulal Marandi, who left BJP to form his own party - JVM(P).

K V Singhdeo's appointment also sets at rest rumours that Dharmendra Pradhan, general secretary in former president Nitin Gadkari's team, may be sent to Odisha as state BJP chief.

Singhdeo is a four-time MLA from Patnagarh in Bolangir district. He is a former minister and will replace Jual Oram as the state BJP Chief.