Odisha politics heats up over BJP chief Manmohan Samal, LoP Naveen Patnaik’s Delhi visit

Political circles in Odisha are rife with speculation as BJP state president Manmohan Samal and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik have left for Delhi, but for different reasons.

Their visits come amid reports of an impending BJP cabinet expansion and organisational reshuffle in Odisha, while the BJD faces growing signs of internal dissent ahead of the Vice-Presidential election.

BJP Chief’s Repeated Delhi Trips Fuel Speculation

Samal, who had only recently returned from Delhi, left for the national capital again late on Saturday. His earlier visit involved discussions with central leadership and the party in charge regarding the state unit’s new team formation and cabinet expansion.

After returning just a day earlier, Samal confirmed that organisational matters were discussed and assured that decisions would be taken at the right time.

“There is no delay in our work. Everything will happen openly, whether it is cabinet expansion or new team formation. Time is powerful, and our government is running smoothly based on decisions already taken,” Samal had remarked, brushing aside criticism from the BJD that the BJP was indecisive.

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Naveen’s Consultations Ahead Of VP Election

Meanwhile, ex-Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik is also scheduled to visit Delhi today. 

According to reports, he is expected to hold a meeting with party MPs to finalise the BJD’s stance on the upcoming Vice-Presidential election.

On Saturday, Naveen had convened a discussion with the BJD’s Parliamentary Party Committee members at his residence in Bhubaneswar, indicating that a final decision on the party’s position would be taken shortly.

Notably, Naveen’s visit comes at a time when the BJD is facing murmurs of discontent. Senior legislator and former minister Arun Sahoo, speaking at a Teachers’ Day event in Bhubaneswar, made veiled remarks about factionalism in the party.

He criticised coterie politics, suggesting that some leaders were using authority and unethical means to assert dominance, sparking fresh debate about internal rifts. His remarks came just a day after visible factionalism was noticed in Cuttack BJD during Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebrations when party veteran Debasish Samantaray skipped the event.

Meanwhile, the coincidence of Samal and Naveen both being in Delhi has drawn attention in Odisha’s political circles.