Bhubaneswar — The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to elect its new state president on July 8, as per the revised schedule announced by the party. This internal election is seen as a significant development following the BJP’s historic victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, which ended the long-standing rule of the Biju Janata Dal in the state.
The party had initially planned to complete the election process by July 1, with candidate nominations expected to begin on June 29. However, the poll was postponed as a mark of respect and in light of the administrative challenges arising from the tragic stampede near Srigundicha Temple in Puri during the Ratha Yatra festival.
According to the updated timeline, the final list of voters eligible to take part in the election will be published on July 6. Nominations will be accepted on July 7, followed by verification and the declaration of final candidates along with the allotment of election symbols. If more than one nomination is confirmed, voting will be held from 9 am to 11 am on July 8, with the results to be declared by 11:30 am the same day.
The leadership transition comes at a time when the party is consolidating its position in the state after its maiden triumph in forming the government. The current president, Manmohan Samal, was appointed to the role in March 2023. Despite the party’s electoral success, Samal himself was defeated in the Assembly race from Chandabali constituency in Bhadrak district.
Manmohan Samal, a senior leader and former minister, previously served as the BJP’s state president from 1999 to 2004. His tenure in recent years has been marked by aggressive grassroots mobilization, contributing to the BJP’s rise in Odisha politics.
The upcoming election will determine who leads the party through this crucial phase of governance and political realignment. The new president will not only play a key role in strengthening the party’s base but also in maintaining its momentum ahead of future electoral challenges.
