bjd news Archives - Odisha Connect

Former Odisha Minister and Bhatli MLA Sushant Singh Passes Away

OdishaConnect — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:38:33 +0000

Former Odisha Minister and senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sushant Singh, the sitting MLA from Bhatli Assembly constituency, passed away late on Monday night while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. He breathed his last at Apollo Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of public service spanning over a decade.

A three-time MLA from Bhatli in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was regarded as one of the most influential political leaders in western Odisha. His demise has cast a pall of gloom over the state’s political circles, with leaders across party lines expressing condolences and paying tribute to his contributions to public life.

Born in Bausenmura village under Sohela block in Bargarh district, Sushant Singh was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Bhatli constituency in 2009, 2014 and 2019, securing three consecutive terms. During his political career, he earned recognition for his close connect with the people and his focus on development initiatives in his constituency.

In the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, Sushant Singh held several key portfolios, including Minister for Labour & Employees’ State Insurance and later Minister for Rural Development. He also served as the Chairman of the Bargarh District Planning Committee, playing a significant role in planning and implementing development projects in the district.

Known for his grassroots leadership and organisational skills, Singh remained one of the prominent faces of the BJD in western Odisha. His political career was marked by efforts to improve rural infrastructure, strengthen welfare programmes and address public grievances.

Following news of his demise, tributes poured in from political leaders, party workers and supporters. Leaders from the BJD as well as other political parties expressed deep sorrow and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family, remembering Singh as a dedicated public representative who worked tirelessly for the welfare of the people.

His passing is being widely mourned across Bargarh district and other parts of western Odisha, where he enjoyed considerable public support and respect. His death marks the end of an important chapter in Odisha politics, particularly in the Bhatli constituency, where he remained a popular and influential leader for over 15 years.

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Former IT Secretary Manoj Mishra Appears Before Police in Missing CMO Files Case

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 13:20:27 +0000

Former IT Secretary and retired Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer Manoj Mishra on Saturday appeared before the Capital Police Station in connection with the investigation into the alleged disappearance of key inquiry commission files from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Speaking to reporters after appearing before the investigating officer, Mishra said the police are questioning all officials who were associated with the CMO during the relevant period when the files reportedly went missing. He said he had fully cooperated with the investigation and provided all information sought by the police.

“As the investigation is currently underway, it would not be appropriate to disclose all the details in the public domain,” Mishra said.

Police Summon Former Officials

The investigating officer had directed two retired senior officials to appear before the police and submit relevant information by July 22.

Among them is former IAS officer Rajesh Verma, who served as Principal Secretary to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik from 2017 to 2022. Verma is currently serving as the Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management.

Manoj Mishra, who retired from the Indian Railway Traffic Service, had served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Naveen Patnaik from 2023 until the BJD government demitted office after the 2024 Assembly elections. He later resigned from his position.

FIR Filed Over Missing Commission Reports

The case stems from an FIR lodged by the Odisha Home Department on June 10, alleging that two important inquiry commission reports had gone missing from the Chief Minister’s Office.

One of the missing documents is the Justice Naidu Commission Report relating to the 2008 murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

According to the FIR, after the change of government following the 2024 Assembly elections, all files from the CMO were transferred to the Home Department. However, the two commission reports were reportedly not among the files received, prompting the department to file a police complaint.

The investigation is currently underway, with police questioning former officials who had access to the files during their tenure to determine how the documents went missing.

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Former BJD Leader Prabhat Biswal Joins BJP with Hundreds of Supporters

OdishaConnect — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:42:51 +0000

In a significant political development in Odisha, former BJD leader and influential Choudwar-Cuttack politician Prabhat Biswal formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday along with hundreds of his supporters.

Biswal was inducted into the BJP at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

His entry into the BJP comes weeks after he was expelled from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), marking a major shift in Odisha’s political landscape, particularly in the Cuttack region.

A day before the joining ceremony, Biswal’s son Souvik Biswal had visited the BJP state office, fuelling speculation about the family’s move to the saffron party. Souvik was recently suspended from the BJD for alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections, further strengthening speculation that he too could join the BJP in the coming days.

Political observers believe Prabhat Biswal’s induction is a setback for the BJD, as he has long been regarded as one of the party’s most influential leaders in the Choudwar-Cuttack area. His move is expected to bolster the BJP’s organisational strength in the district ahead of future elections.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Biswal said he was confident the party would provide him with an opportunity to serve the people.

“The Bharatiya Janata Party is a party of knowledgeable, capable and self-respecting people. I believe I will get an opportunity to serve here. In such a large organisation, I am just an ordinary worker, and I will work together with everyone,” he said.

Biswal also expressed disappointment over his treatment in the BJD.

“I worked sincerely for the party for 24 years with complete dedication. I believed my contributions would be recognised, but that did not happen. Though it came late, perhaps this change is for the better,” he remarked.

His joining follows the recent induction of former BJD Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray, who resigned from both the Upper House and the BJD before joining the BJP.

With the addition of leaders like Debashish Samantaray and Prabhat Biswal, the BJP is expected to further strengthen its organisational base in the politically important Cuttack region

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Odisha Begins Preparations for 2027 Panchayat Polls; Door-to-Door Voter Survey Planned

OdishaConnect — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 12:27:03 +0000

The Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) has begun pre-election preparations for the 2027 three-tier Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. The notification for the Panchayat elections is expected to be issued in April 2027, after the completion of the national Census, with the election process likely to conclude by June 2027.

State Election Commission Secretary Santosh Kumar Das said the Commission has already held meetings with Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) and district collectors. Another review meeting through video conferencing has been scheduled for July 21 to assess the progress of preparatory work.

Door-to-Door Survey for First Time

For the first time, the State Election Commission will conduct a door-to-door survey to prepare booth-wise voter lists. Earlier, voter lists were largely prepared through desk-based exercises using the Election Commission of India’s electoral rolls.

Officials said the field survey will ensure that voters are assigned to the polling booth nearest to their residence, reducing inconvenience and improving voter turnout.

Booth-Wise Voter List to Be Updated

The Commission plans to update the electoral rolls after the survey so that every voter is mapped to the appropriate booth. According to officials, a mismatch between voters’ residences and polling stations has contributed to lower voter turnout in previous elections.

Odisha has 6,794 Gram Panchayats with around 91,930 wards or polling booths, all of which will be covered under the survey.

High-Level Review Meeting on July 21

The State Election Commission has written to all District Collectors and District Magistrates directing them to participate in a high-level review meeting on July 21 through the Odisha State Wide Area Network (OSWAN) platform.

The meeting will be attended by Collectors, Additional District Magistrates (Municipal Election Nodal Officers), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and other district-level officials.

Political Reactions

Reacting to the preparations, BJP spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra said the State Election Commission is a constitutional body carrying out its responsibilities independently. He also claimed that the BJP had begun preparations for the Panchayat elections well in advance and asserted that the ruling party is fully prepared for the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, he criticised the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), questioning its organisational strength ahead of the upcoming local body elections.

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Speaker Rejects BJD and Congress Disqualification Pleas Over Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting Allegations

OdishaConnect — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:50:33 +0000

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress suffered a major setback after Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy rejected their petitions seeking disqualification of 11 MLAs over alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha elections.

The Speaker dismissed the applications, stating that the petitions submitted by both parties were incomplete and lacked sufficient facts and evidence. The rejected pleas involved eight BJD MLAs and three Congress MLAs.

According to Speaker Surama Padhy, the applications did not contain the required supporting documents. The enclosure papers attached with the petitions were not properly signed, and the required affidavits verifying the petitions were also not submitted. She said the petitions were rejected due to the absence of proof and factual evidence as per Rule 6, Sub-Rule 6 and 7.

The Rajya Sabha elections were held in March this year, following which allegations of cross-voting were raised against 11 MLAs. The BJD had accused eight of its MLAs of voting against the party line and demanded cancellation of their Assembly membership.

The BJD MLAs named in the petition included Souvik Biswal, Debi Ranjan Tripathy, Chandramani Kanhar, Subhashini Jena, Naba Kishore Mallik, Ramakanta Bhoi, along with suspended party MLAs Sanatan Mahakud and Aravinda Mohapatra. The party had approached the Speaker seeking action against them.

The Congress had also filed a petition seeking disqualification of three of its MLAs — Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena and Dasarathi Gamang — alleging that they had cross-voted during the election.

All the concerned MLAs had appeared before the Speaker and presented their side.

Reacting after the dismissal of the BJD petition, MLA Aravinda Mohapatra criticised the party’s move and called it a “mistake”. He said that they had voted according to their own choice and that cross-voting in a Rajya Sabha election does not automatically lead to disqualification. He alleged that the BJD was trying to remain in public discussion through such actions.

BJD MLA Debi Ranjan Tripathy had earlier openly admitted voting for BJP-supported Rajya Sabha candidate Dilip Ray. He said he supported Ray because of his association with the legacy and ideals of former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.

After the cross-voting controversy, the BJD had issued show-cause notices to six MLAs. In his reply, Tripathy strongly criticised the notice issued by BJD Chief Whip Pramila Mallik, calling it baseless and unconstitutional.

Citing a Supreme Court judgment, Tripathy had argued that party whip provisions do not apply in Rajya Sabha elections and accused the party of violating Election Commission guidelines. He also warned of legal action if the notice was not withdrawn.

Another BJD MLA Ramakanta Bhoi had also responded in a similar manner.

Souvik Biswal too had admitted to cross-voting, stating that he voted for the candidate who had the blessings of “Biju Babu”. He also expressed anger over past events involving his family and said his decision was influenced by those grievances.

The Speaker’s decision has now brought a new twist to the political controversy surrounding the Rajya Sabha election cross-voting issue in Odisha.

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Debashish Samantaray Elected Unopposed to Rajya Sabha on BJP Ticket

OdishaConnect — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:43:45 +0000

Senior leader Debashish Samantaray has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket, after being the only candidate in the by-election. As no other nomination was filed, voting was not required, resulting in his uncontested election to the Upper House.

By-election Held After Resignation from BJD

The by-election was conducted following Samantaray’s resignation from both the Rajya Sabha and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). He had previously served as a Rajya Sabha MP representing the BJD.

According to reports, he resigned from the party and his parliamentary membership on May 25, submitting his resignation to BJD president Naveen Patnaik and also meeting the Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan to formally complete the process.

Sharp Criticism of BJD After Exit

Soon after leaving the BJD, Samantaray publicly criticised the party, alleging internal restrictions and dissatisfaction within the organisation. He stated that he felt “restricted” while in the party and also questioned certain party practices, including its approach to legacy and leadership related to Biju Patnaik.

His remarks triggered political discussion in Odisha’s political circles, especially given his long association with the BJD.

Joining BJP in Delhi

Just a day after resigning from the BJD, on May 26, Samantaray joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Delhi.

He formally joined the party at the BJP headquarters in the presence of Odisha BJP state president Manmohan Samal and party observer Vijaypal Singh Tomar.

Unopposed Election Strengthens BJP Position

With Samantaray being the sole candidate in the by-election, the BJP effectively secured the Rajya Sabha seat without contest. His unopposed election is seen as a significant political development in Odisha’s evolving political landscape.

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Senior BJD Leader Debashish Samantaray Resigns from Party and Rajya Sabha

OdishaConnect — Mon, 25 May 2026 13:01:54 +0000

In a major political development in Odisha, senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray has resigned from both the party and the Upper House of Parliament. His sudden exit has triggered intense political discussions in the state, especially amid speculation about his possible entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Resigns from BJD Primary Membership

Debashish Samantaray submitted his resignation from the primary membership of the Biju Janata Dal and sent his resignation letter to BJD president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Shortly after quitting the party, he met Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan in Delhi and resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership as well.

“Party No Longer Needs My Service”

Speaking after stepping down, Samantaray said he felt that the party no longer required his services.

“I feel the party no longer needs my service. Therefore, I have taken this decision,” he said.

Samantaray had been elected to the Rajya Sabha from BJD on April 4, 2024, ahead of the general elections. His tenure was scheduled to continue till April 2030.

Third BJD Rajya Sabha MP to Quit Before Completing Term

With his resignation, Debashish Samantaray has become the third BJD Rajya Sabha MP after Mamata Mohanta and Sujit Kumar to leave both the party and Parliament before completing the term.

A three-time MLA and veteran BJD leader, Samantaray was once considered one of Naveen Patnaik’s closest political associates.

Growing Distance with Naveen Patnaik

Political circles had been witnessing signs of growing differences between Samantaray and the BJD leadership over the past several months. Sources within the party claimed that his supporters were not receiving importance in organizational matters.

He had also reportedly ignored the senior vice-president position offered to him by the party leadership. In recent months, he was largely absent from party activities and refrained from making public comments on party affairs.

Social Media Hints Added to Speculation

Earlier, political commentator Sramayee Mishra had hinted at another major exit from BJD through a cryptic social media post mentioning that “another wicket would fall.”

Soon after submitting his resignation, Samantaray posted on social media platform X, stating:

“From the day Biju Janata Dal was formed till today, I have served the party with dedication, organization and commitment. I will continue my struggle for the people of Odisha. Jai Jagannath.”

BJP Joining Speculation Intensifies

Samantaray’s resignation has intensified speculation about his possible entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Political discussions gained momentum after Odisha Chief Minister’s recent Delhi visit, with reports suggesting that Samantaray could formally join the BJP in the presence of senior central leaders.

Observers believe that his dissatisfaction with the party leadership had deepened after internal disagreements over key political decisions, including the party’s stand on the Waqf Bill and the nomination of Santosh Mishra to the Rajya Sabha.

Major Political Setback for BJD

The resignation is being viewed as another setback for BJD at a time when the regional party is facing internal challenges after losing power in Odisha. Samantaray’s exit may further fuel debates over leadership, internal coordination and growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks.

His next political move is now being closely watched in both Odisha and national political circles.

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Shrimayi Mishra Drops Bombshell: Naveen Patnaik’s Signed Nod for Delhi House in Secret Trust Exposed

OdishaConnect — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:12:06 +0000

Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shrimayi Mishra has triggered a fresh political controversy by questioning the intent behind the Biju-Naveen Inspirational Foundation, alleging “malafide motives” behind its formation.

Questions Raised Over ‘Secrecy’ of Trust

Taking to social media, Mishra shared documents and raised serious concerns over the alleged lack of transparency surrounding the foundation.

“If there were no bad intentions, why was it kept hidden?” she asked, challenging those linked to the trust to publicly clarify their positions. She further stated that if the trust does not exist, individuals named in the documents should come forward and deny it.

Allegations on Registration and Structure

According to Mishra, the foundation was registered in Delhi in the names of Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik.

She alleged that the former Chief Minister had given consent for using his Delhi residence for the trust’s activities, with documents reportedly bearing his signature.

Mishra questioned why the trust was registered outside Odisha and why its formation was not made public.

Key Names Linked to Foundation

Mishra also highlighted the structure of the trust, claiming it is irrevocable, with significant authority vested in its leadership.

She alleged that V. K. Pandian serves as its lifelong president, while Santrupt Misra is the secretary and Ashok Parija holds the position of treasurer.

Political Debate Intensifies

The revelations have sparked intense debate across Odisha’s political circles, with growing demands for clarity regarding the foundation’s purpose, operations, and funding.

Political observers believe the controversy could have wider implications for the BJD, especially at a time when the party is already facing internal and electoral challenges.

Calls for Transparency Grow

As the row escalates, calls for transparency and official clarification are growing louder. Whether the party leadership responds or distances itself from the controversy remains to be seen.

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Snehangini Chhuria’s Candid Confessions: Surprise Nomination and BJP Defector Jabs in Nuapada Bypoll Buzz

OdishaConnect — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:05:17 +0000

In a candid interview, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) candidate Snehangini Chhuria opened up about her surprise nomination for the Nuapada Assembly by-election, praising party supremo Naveen Patnaik for his strategic choice. The Padampur subdivision leader emphasized her deep-rooted connections to the constituency and addressed allegations of being an outsider, while taking a swipe at BJP’s defector candidate Jay Dholakia.

Strong Local Roots Bolster Chhuria’s Claim

Chhuria, visibly elated at the decision, described her nomination as “completely unexpected” yet a reflection of her longstanding engagement with Nuapada. She stressed, “Nuapada may be new to some, but not for me — I am part of its fabric. My mother’s village is here, and I have spent years understanding and working among its people.”

Highlighting her grassroots experience, she noted her strong rapport with Dalit and Adivasi communities, promising to champion their welfare. “I’ve observed the district for four years and built relationships that will help me act, not just witness, change,” she said.

Refuting Outsider Allegations

Addressing accusations of being a carpetbagger, Chhuria firmly stated, “It’s more than bloodline — I am no foreigner. I have the right to be on my ground.” She emphasized that her deep local ties distinguish her from candidates who enter constituencies solely for electoral gains.

Criticism of BJP’s Jay Dholakia

Chhuria did not hold back her criticism of her main rival, BJP’s Jay Dholakia, a former BJD supporter who switched allegiance recently. She said, “Jay sold out overnight, thinking only of personal gains. BJD workers stayed loyal to Naveen ji despite the treachery.” Her comments underscored the heightened personal and political stakes in the upcoming bypoll.

Caste Dynamics and Electoral Challenge

The Nuapada by-election is emerging as a complex battle shaped by caste equations and local loyalties. Chhuria’s nomination signals BJD’s effort to consolidate its home turf advantage against defectors and opposition candidates. As campaigning intensifies, all eyes are on whether her insider advantage will outweigh BJP’s outreach efforts and sway voter sentiment.

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From Ally to Rebel: Shreemayee Mishra Challenges BJD’s Patnaik-Pandian Duo

OdishaConnect — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:43:01 +0000

Suspension Sparks Social Media Storm

After being suspended for alleged anti-party activities, Odisha political figure Shreemayee Mishra has launched a series of provocative social media posts targeting the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). In her posts, she compared party leaders to Mahabharata’s Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana and referred to a “fraudulent saint” from the web series Aashram, widely interpreted as indirect jabs at BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik and his close aide VK Pandian. The party had previously cautioned her against such posts, and her suspension has reignited discussions of internal discord.

Mishra Calls Suspension “Laughable”

Mishra dismissed her suspension as “laughable”, explaining that she had not renewed her party membership for a year and had not been active in the BJD. She criticized Patnaik for remaining silent when she endured insults from senior members, including being called “Surpanakha.” Describing Patnaik as a father figure, she expressed her disappointment at his response: “It happens in politics.” She also challenged the party to provide her membership details, questioning the leadership’s handling of her case.

BJD Defends Its Position

In response, BJD leaders Snehangini Chhuria and Lelin Mohanty held a press conference, presenting photos and videos showing Mishra’s regular presence at party events. The party branded her as an instigator attempting to divert attention by playing the “victim card”, highlighting the ongoing challenges of maintaining party unity.

Public War of Words

The conflict has escalated into a public war of words, exposing cracks within the BJD and fueling speculation about Mishra’s next political move. Observers are now closely watching how both sides manage this internal dispute and its potential impact on the party ahead of upcoming political challenges.

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