Odisha BJP seems to be in the grip of internal unrest as party leaders and workers are agitated over repeated postponement of expansion of the cabinet and appointment of office bearers in the government and party. State BJP president Manmohan Samal told a press conference here on Thursday that the cabinet would be expanded and vacancies existing in different state boards, corporations, and others would be filled up “at an appropriate time.” But his reluctance to say anything concrete has only ratcheted up the anticipation and nervousness among the hopefuls in his party.

High-Level Talks Underway
Talks on cabinet expansion have reached the top level within the saffron party, and consultations have been held with the central leadership and that too with the national president JP Nadda, a senior BJP leader said. Two such high-level meetings have already been held, and the third one is underway, which was attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Samal, state in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, and organisation secretary Manas Kumar. A short list of more than 100 political appointees is being prepared, with appointments expected to be announced in groups of two to three. The first batch of appointments could involve about 40 people, who will head chairmanships and other positions in various state-run boards and corporations on the basis of merit and recommendations from party leaders.

Political Aspirations and Discontent
The lapsing of these posts in time has created displeasure within the party. There may be up to 21 ministers, including the chief minister, per the state constitution, but for the first swearing-in on June 12, 2024, only 15 ministers were sworn in—seven veterans and eight newcomers. Needless to say, the BJP had a great time winning the 2024 Odisha assembly elections with 78 seats, which included 54 new MLAs from the BJP besides the re-elections of 24 veterans (the party had six vacancies in the cabinet and hopes from the senior MLAs who found themselves out of favour). “We thought veterans would call the shots in the cabinet,” an MLA said, with wonder in her voice that so many first-timers were ushered in.

The composition of the present cabinet was also under criticism, as some ministers were holding three to four different portfolios, sparking rumours about an impending reshuffle. The ministers have handed over their work reports to Majhi, but there is still confusion about whether their assessment will reflect in their retention or shifting from one department to the other. Meanwhile, aspirant MLAs have already started lobbying in Bhubaneswar’s power chambers for a ministerial berth or some other post of power.

Broader Delays Fuel Frustration
Outside the cabinet, the failure to appoint chairs to state corporations, boards, commissions, and planning bodies has added to the sense of disillusionment. “The BJP government has been in power for over a year, but the second-rung leadership feels they have not been rewarded for their hard work during the 2014 campaign. “We toiled day and night to bring the party to power,” said one leader. “But a year later, and we still haven’t been recognised.” Party insiders believe the finalisation of the BJP’s national president election will pave the way for decisive steps.

Strategists said here that the second week of July, halfway through the month, is when speculation is that the cabinet expansion will take place and that we can expect appointments to other positions to be done in phases. For the moment though, Narendra Modi should let his party’s Odisha leaders rule without coming in their way and keep them on the fence yet within the frame so that his party does not lose the state it received after such a tough battle.

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