Manmohan Samal, a senior BJP leader and the current Odisha BJP state president, is set to assume the role for a second consecutive term as he was the sole candidate to file a nomination for the post on Monday, July 7.
Sanjay Jaiswal, the ruling BJP’s central observer for the organizational elections in Odisha, confirmed the unopposed nomination for the BJP state president post.
Jaiswal stated that while one nomination was filed for State President, 32 nominations were filed for National Council Member elections. “The scrutiny will be conducted between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. tomorrow, and the names of the State President and Council Members will be announced thereafter,” he said.
The BJP’s central leadership of the saffron party has reiterated its faith in Samal, acknowledging his pivotal role in the party’s historic victory in Odisha in 2024, which marked their first rise to power in the state since independence.
Previously, Samal held the Odisha BJP president post twice, from 1999 to 2000 and from 2001 to 2004. He was re-elected in March 2023, prior to the 2024 general elections.
Samal’s political career includes serving as a Rajya Sabha MP (2000-2004) and an elected member of the Odisha Assembly from the Dhamnagar constituency in 2004. He also held ministerial portfolios as Minister for Revenue and Food Suppliers & Consumer Welfare departments in Odisha from 2004 to 2008.
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari lauded the unanimous decision, emphasizing that Samal’s continued leadership would bring stability, continuity, and strength to the party.
Pujari highlighted Samal’s extensive political experience, noting that this decision reflects the party’s collective confidence in his ability to guide the BJP through future elections and organizational expansion. The party leadership intends to utilize his experience effectively over the next three years to fortify the BJP in Odisha, ensuring unity and readiness for upcoming panchayat and municipality polls.
Former BJP state president, Basant Panda, also welcomed Samal’s unopposed nomination, viewing it as a testament to the party’s internal discipline and collective faith in its leadership. Panda, speaking to mediapersons, described Samal as a dedicated and committed leader, reaffirming the organization’s confidence in his capabilities.
