Central Push Ends Group Politics in Odisha BJP; Leaders Eye Boards, Ministries & Rajya Sabha Seats

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha convened a crucial core committee meeting on Tuesday, ending a 22-month hiatus and signalling major administrative and organisational changes within the party and government.

Core Committee Meets After 22 Months

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Odisha unit held a high-level closed-door core committee meeting at its state headquarters, marking the first such gathering in nearly two years.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the state party president, the central in-charge, and a Union Minister. Sources indicated that leaders openly discussed concerns about internal factionalism, even as the party remains in power in the state.

Blueprint for Cabinet Expansion

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the reported blueprint for a cabinet expansion soon after the conclusion of the Odisha Assembly’s Budget session.

According to party insiders, several ministers may see their workload reduced, while departments could be reshuffled or withdrawn from those whose performance has been deemed unsatisfactory. Discussions were also held regarding a list of potential new inductees into the Council of Ministers, prepared in consultation with the Chief Minister.

If implemented, the reshuffle could significantly shape the second term of the Majhi-led government.

Rajya Sabha Nominations and Board Appointments

The meeting also focused on likely nominees for the Rajya Sabha, as well as the long-pending allocation of positions in state boards and corporations.

Sources said organisational restructuring at the state level is also under consideration, with the possible inclusion of key party insiders to strengthen coordination ahead of upcoming elections.

Tackling Factionalism Ahead of Local Polls

Party leadership is reportedly keen to put an end to internal bickering, especially with panchayat and municipal elections approaching. Previous attempts to finalise appointments to boards and nigams had stalled due to infighting, prompting intervention from the central leadership and repeated core committee consultations.

The leadership now faces the challenge of balancing competing interests within the party while presenting a united front to voters.

A Defining Moment for the Majhi Government

Tuesday’s meeting is being viewed as a decisive step in consolidating the party’s organisational structure and governance strategy. How effectively the BJP manages dissent and executes its planned reforms could determine its performance in the forthcoming local body elections and define the trajectory of the Majhi government’s second term in Odisha.