As Odisha’s political landscape enters a decisive phase, the three major players—BJP, Congress, and BJD—are moving in sharply different directions. While the BJP and Congress are ramping up their organisational and public outreach efforts, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) appears subdued, awaiting the return of its leader Naveen Patnaik, who is currently in Mumbai for medical treatment.
BJP Gathers Momentum Under Re-elected President Manmohan Samal
The BJP is riding high on renewed energy following the unanimous reappointment of Manmohan Samal as the party’s Odisha unit president for a fourth term—his second consecutive tenure in the role. Samal, widely credited with orchestrating the BJP’s historic breakthrough against the BJD’s 24-year reign, is now being seen as central to the party’s future strategy leading into the 2029 general elections.
Central observer Sanjay Jaiswal announced Samal’s appointment in Bhubaneswar, an event that further boosted party morale—especially in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Odisha. Party insiders believe Samal’s leadership from the Bhadrak region will be instrumental in consolidating BJP’s governance approach and strengthening its grassroots machinery.
Congress Mounts a Campaign, Eyes Revival With Rahul Gandhi’s Visit
Meanwhile, the Congress party, under the leadership of state president Bhakta Charan Das, has intensified its activity at the grassroots. Protests targeting both the state and central governments—particularly on issues like women’s safety and governance failures—have increased in frequency and visibility.
To further galvanize its cadre, the party is preparing for a major rally in Bhubaneswar on July 11, to be led by senior leader Rahul Gandhi. The “Save the Constitution” rally is part of a nationwide campaign but holds strategic value in Odisha, where the Congress has been largely marginalised in recent decades. The event is expected to both strengthen the organisational base and signal the party’s determination to reassert itself in state politics.
BJD in Standstill Mode as Naveen Recovers in Mumbai
In contrast, the BJD has been relatively inactive in recent weeks. With Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik undergoing treatment in Mumbai, the party’s functioning has slowed considerably. Despite having 51 MLAs, the BJD has failed to mount a strong opposition or engage the public on key issues.
Pending internal matters—including the appointment of district presidents, student leaders, and heads of the party’s youth wing—remain unresolved. Even the announcement of the party’s executive committee and state council has been postponed, reflecting the organisational inertia in the absence of Patnaik’s direct leadership.
Though senior leader Debi Mishra has been tasked with overseeing party operations during Patnaik’s absence, the effort has struggled to gain momentum. BJD insiders privately admit that without Naveen’s input, the party lacks the drive and clarity it once projected.
An Uncertain Political Climate Ahead
With the political atmosphere in Odisha shifting rapidly, the BJP is consolidating its position, Congress is working to regain lost ground, and the BJD finds itself in a holding pattern. All eyes are now on the return of Naveen Patnaik. His re-entry into the political fray could either re-energise the ruling party—or signal a new political chapter in Odisha’s history.