BJP reposes trust in Odisha leaders; Dharmendra Pradhan, Baijayant Panda assigned key roles

The BJP central leadership has once again placed major trust in Odia leaders ahead of the crucial Assembly elections. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been appointed as the election in-charge for the upcoming Bihar Assembly election scheduled in November. He will be assisted by Union Minister C.R. Patil and UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.

Similarly, BJP national vice-president and Kendrapara MP, Baijayant Panda, has been entrusted with the role of election in-charge for strategically important Tamil Nadu, where assembly polls are due next year in April-May.

Time and again, Panda has proved his mettle with outstanding results for the party. Earlier, Panda had been assigned organisational responsibilities in Delhi and had also served as in-charge for the Assembly elections there.

Also Read: BJP National VP and MP Baijayant Panda appointed party’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu

After successfully strategising against the Kejriwal government and ensuring that the BJP’s lotus bloomed in Delhi after many years, the party’s top leadership has shown increased confidence in him. In 2022, Panda was also in-charge of the Manipur elections, where he emerged as a game-changer and brought the BJP back to power.

He has also successfully handled responsibilities in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. Considering his experience and track record, the party has now entrusted him with Tamil Nadu. The Assembly polls there are likely in April–May next year, where dislodging the Stalin government will be a big challenge for him. Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol will assist Panda as co-incharge.

“Centre's focus is currently on Odisha leaders, be it for major top roles or organisational responsibilities. It is a big thing for us as Dharmendra Pradhan has been appointed as election-in-charge for Bihar, while Baijayant Panda has been entrusted with the responsibility of Tamil Nadu,” stated BJP leader Surath Biswal.

In addition, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has been made in-charge of the upcoming West Bengal elections, expected in March 2026. He will be assisted by MP Biplab Deb.

With these key appointments, the BJP aims to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, while focusing on retaining power in Bihar.