Manmohan Samal Likely to Be Re-elected as BJP Odisha State President

Manmohan Samal Likely to Be Re-elected as BJP Odisha State President

Formal Announcement Tomorrow

CNB World Times

Bhubaneswar, July 7, 2025: Senior BJP leader and seasoned political strategist Manmohan Samal is all set to be re-elected as the Odisha BJP State President, with a formal announcement expected at 11 AM tomorrow. Today, nomination papers for the post were filed in a democratic process, with Samal emerging as the sole contender for the top position.

According to party sources, not a single nomination apart from Samal’s was submitted till the final deadline, indicating unanimous support within the party. A total of 32 nominations were filed for the National Council members.

Samal, who currently holds the post, enjoys widespread backing from party leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. His re-election is attributed to his strong leadership record, close coordination with party workers at all levels, OBC representation, and successful execution of welfare schemes like the ₹5,000 bi-annual support for women.

Notably, Samal earned national recognition after BJP secured a record 20 out of 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha. His name is etched in party history for defeating the legacy of 24-year rule under BJD by unseating former CM Naveen Patnaik — son of legendary leader Biju Patnaik.

Although he lost the recent Assembly election from Chandbali to BJD’s Dr. Byomakesh Roy by a narrow margin, Samal continues to enjoy immense popularity among locals.

With a political career spanning over four decades, Samal began as the student union president of Bhadrak College in 1978–79 and steadily rose through the ranks of ABVP and BJP. He has previously served as BJP State President (1999–2004, 2023–2025) and was a Minister in the Odisha government from 2004 to 2009.

If elected, this will mark his fourth term as State President, making him the second-longest serving BJP chief in Odisha after Biswabhushan Harichandan, who held the post for eight years (1980–1988).

The central observer for Odisha, Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, confirmed the receipt of 32 National Council nominations and one presidential nomination, and stated that the official declaration will be made tomorrow.

As Samal prepares for the next three-tier panchayat elections, he faces key challenges including maintaining internal discipline and countering a resurging sympathy wave for Naveen Patnaik post-illness. Yet, party insiders believe his experience and grassroots connect make him the ideal leader to steer Odisha BJP into a new era.

Journalist - Satrughan Biswal, Bhubaneswar