Will Manmohan Samal continue as Odisha BJP chief?

The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is expected to get its new president anytime soon. Speculation mounts as current president Manmohan Samal’s tenure is in question, with discussions intensifying about the potential for his continuation or the introduction of a fresh face.

In recent days, various factions within the party have made their presence felt in Delhi, advocating for their chosen candidates. Samal’s return to Bhubaneswar today, after days spent in the national capital, has further heightened intrigue around the potential selection.

Following consultations with central party leaders in Delhi, Odisha BJP members remain hopeful for a timely announcement by the leadership. 

According to party guidelines, a state president may serve two terms - a fact Samal has acknowledged by hinting at the possibility of his reappointment. 

Even as the State BJP winds down its organisational elections, the lack of a State president announcement continues to arouse curiosity. Elections for all Mandal presidents have concluded. However, delays in district president elections persist with rescheduling beyond the original deadline of January 15. 

Party insiders cite the recent Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event for the delay in the selection process.

“The selection for the position of the State president got delayed due to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas program. Party’s central leadership will select a worthy candidate for the important role and announce it in due time,” said BJP leader Kusum Tete.

Returning from nearly a week in Delhi, Samal has remained tight-lipped on the future leadership but hasn’t discounted the possibility of a second term owing to party regulations. While some factions push for change, the guidelines render his reappointment a considerable possibility.

Must Read: Odisha BJP to elect new president in January

Samal undertook the role of state BJP president on 23 March 2023, amid electoral fervour. His tenure thus far has been marked by strategic gains, reflecting his potential influence in the 2024 General Elections. As internal party lobbying persists, Samal’s close alignment with central leadership and his successful record bolster his prospects for reappointment.

“As per the party constitution, a state president could be in the position for three years for consecutive two terms. He can be again in the same position after a break. Nobody remains in the race in our party. Whoever the central leadership of our party chooses will eventually be the State president,” said Samal.

Meanwhile, political analysts point to his leadership track record, during which BJP independently contested elections and wielded influence within the State.

“Manmohan Samal played a great role in the party in the 2024 General Elections. Some factions within the party are lobbying for their own candidates. However, there is more possibility that Samal will be selected as the State president again,” said political analyst Sandeep Mishra.