In a major show of confidence and continuity, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reappointed veteran leader Manmohan Samal as the Odisha state unit president for a record fourth consecutive term. The announcement was made by BJP central election observer Sanjay Jaiswal at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Monday, July 7.
Samal’s reappointment came after an uncontested nomination, reflecting strong internal support and unified backing from the party leadership. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and several senior BJP leaders were present during the announcement, underlining the cohesion and trust Samal commands within the party ranks.
Alongside the announcement, the party also unveiled a 32-member state executive council aimed at bolstering the organisational structure in Odisha, signaling an intensified focus on strengthening grassroots networks ahead of upcoming political challenges.
Sanjay Jaiswal, who supervised the election process, officially declared the appointment for July 8, 2025. He lauded Samal’s experience and track record, noting that the party was confident in his ability to provide strategic direction to the Odisha BJP.
Born on April 15, 1959, in Bhadrak district, Manmohan Samal began his political journey as a student leader. A law postgraduate from Fakir Mohan University, Balasore, Samal served as the president of the Bhadrak College student union in 1979 and was actively involved in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP.
His political career includes a term in the Rajya Sabha (2000–2004), winning the Dhamnagar Assembly seat in 2004, and holding key portfolios such as Revenue and Food Supply during the BJP-BJD coalition government from 2004 to 2008.
Samal is widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the BJP’s historic victory in the 2024 Odisha Assembly elections. Under his organisational leadership, the BJP successfully ended the 24-year rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), securing a clear majority to form the government independently for the first time in the state’s history.
Although Samal lost the Chandabali Assembly seat in the 2024 elections, his organisational acumen has remained unquestioned. His ability to galvanise the party at the grassroots level is seen as a key factor behind the BJP’s growing dominance in the state.
The decision to reappoint him is being viewed as a strategic move by the BJP to consolidate its gains and prepare for future electoral battles. With his extensive political experience and strong connect with the cadre, Samal is expected to further energise the party machinery in Odisha.