Odisha BJP to elect new state president, poll scheduled for July 8

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday issued the official notification for the election of its Odisha unit president, marking the beginning of the formal process to select the new face of the party in the state.

According to the schedule, filing of nomination papers will be held tomorrow. If a consensus is not reached through the nomination process, an election will be conducted on Tuesday, July 8.

In preparation for the process, BJP's Odisha in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar has already reached Bhubaneswar. Central observer Sanjay Jaiswal is also expected to arrive on Monday to oversee the nomination and possible election procedure.

Traditionally, the BJP has opted for a consensus-based approach to elect its state leadership.

Speaking to reporters, Tomar said, “The election was postponed in view of the Puri mishap during Rath Yatra festivity. I believe the election will be held on June 8 and the results will be declared on the same day.”

“This is a democratic process. Those who wants to be in the race for the post can file nomination. But as per the tradition, the BJP has opted for a consensus-based approach to elect its state leadership,” he added.

BJP State President Manmohan Samal said, “A new face will soon take charge as the state BJP president. The people have chosen this government, and it is the result of collective effort. Our dedicated workers toiled tirelessly on the ground to bring about this change. I have been serving the party for the past 50 years, and I will continue to do so with the same commitment.”