BJP Odisha Archives - Odisha Connect

Dharmendra Pradhan Receives Grand Welcome on Arrival in Bhubaneswar

OdishaConnect — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 12:21:29 +0000

Former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan received a grand welcome upon his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

A large number of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and supporters gathered outside the airport well before his arrival to greet the senior leader. Several BJP MLAs and senior party functionaries were also present and welcomed Pradhan with bouquets and floral garlands.

Among those present at the airport were BJP MLAs Amar Nayak and Tankadhar Tripathy, former Odisha BJP president Sameer Mohanty, and senior party leader Golak Mohapatra, along with several other party workers.

As Pradhan exited the airport, enthusiastic supporters raised slogans in his favour and felicitated him with flower garlands, creating a festive atmosphere at the airport premises.

The heavy turnout of party workers prompted the police to make special security arrangements to regulate the crowd and ensure smooth movement in and around the airport.

The visit has generated considerable enthusiasm among BJP cadres in Odisha. According to party sources, Pradhan is scheduled to participate in a series of organisational meetings and other party-related programmes during his visit to the state.

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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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Speculation Grows Over Former BJD MLA Prabhat Biswal Joining BJP; Son Spotted at Party Office

OdishaConnect — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 13:05:41 +0000

Political speculation has intensified in Odisha over the possible entry of former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Prabhat Biswal into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The buzz gained momentum after Choudwar-Cuttack BJD MLA Souvik Biswal, Prabhat Biswal’s son, was seen at the BJP’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

Souvik Biswal’s presence at the BJP office has triggered fresh discussions in political circles. Party insiders believe he may have visited the office to review preparations for a possible induction ceremony, with reports suggesting that Prabhat Biswal could formally join the BJP on Saturday. However, no official confirmation has been issued by either party.

The development comes at a time when the BJD is making efforts to prevent resignations by party workers and leaders in the Choudwar region. Senior BJD leaders have reportedly intensified outreach initiatives amid concerns that Prabhat Biswal’s possible exit could trigger a wave of defections.

According to party sources, BJD Vice-President Debi Mishra recently visited Choudwar and held discussions with local leaders and workers to persuade them to remain with the party. On Friday, BJD president Naveen Patnaik also met district leaders, the Choudwar Municipality Chairperson and party workers at Naveen Niwas to assess the political situation and discuss measures to maintain organisational unity.

Despite these efforts, reports indicate that resignations by some local BJD workers have continued, adding to the party’s concerns.

Political observers believe that if Prabhat Biswal joins the BJP, hundreds of his supporters and several local councillors may also switch allegiance, potentially altering the political landscape in Choudwar ahead of future elections.

Reacting to the speculation, BJP MLA Babu Singh said the party’s central leadership would take the final decision on any new induction.

“The BJP is the world’s largest political party. The party president and top leadership decide who joins the party. If Prabhat Biswal joins the BJP, there is no problem. Many leaders have joined the BJP in the past,” he said.

While the political buzz continues, both the BJP and BJD are yet to make any official announcement regarding Prabhat Biswal’s future political move.

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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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Over 2 Million Voters Dropped from Odisha Electoral Roll After SIR Exercise; Claims and Counterclaims Trigger Political Row

OdishaConnect — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:31:55 +0000

A major revision of Odisha’s electoral roll has resulted in the deletion of nearly 2.014 million (20.14 lakh) voter names following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The large-scale revision has sparked a political controversy, with opposition parties questioning the exercise, while the ruling BJP has defended the process.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, the draft electoral roll has been prepared and shared with political parties. Before the revision, Odisha had 33,399,591 (3.33 crore) registered voters. Of these, 31,387,034 (3.13 crore) voters submitted the required forms during the SIR process.

The CEO’s office said that of the 20.14 lakh names removed, around 8.32 lakh belonged to deceased or “ghost” voters. Another 10.07 lakh names were deleted because the voters had either shifted residence or could not be traced.

Additionally, 1.58 lakh names were removed due to multiple registrations, while around 14,000 names were deleted for other administrative reasons.

The extensive revision has triggered sharp political reactions. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) alleged that the deletion exercise lacked transparency and claimed that details regarding nearly seven lakh additional deleted names had not been disclosed. The Congress demanded that the Election Commission provide adequate time for affected voters to restore their names and launch a public awareness campaign through advertisements to ensure eligible voters are informed.

Responding to the allegations, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the opposition’s claims. BJP MLA Babu Singh said the opposition should provide evidence to support its allegations instead of questioning the credibility of the Election Commission.

The Election Commission has, however, clarified that eligible voters whose names have been deleted still have an opportunity to seek inclusion in the electoral roll. Citizens can file claims and objections from now until August 4.

Those seeking fresh voter registration can apply using Form 6, while Form 6A is meant for overseas electors. Individuals wishing to object to the deletion of their names or seek the removal of ineligible entries can submit Form 7. Voters who need to update or correct details such as their address can apply through Form 8. The completed forms must be submitted to the respective Booth Level Officer (BLO).

The Election Commission will verify all claims and objections by September 2, following which the final electoral roll will be published on September 6.

The large-scale deletion of voter names has become a major political issue in Odisha, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency in the revision process, while election authorities maintain that the exercise was carried out to ensure an accurate and updated electoral roll.

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PM Modi to Visit President Murmu’s Native Village in Historic Mayurbhanj Tour

OdishaConnect — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:31:17 +0000

President and Prime Minister to Share Stage in Rare Public Event

Mayurbhanj district is gearing up for a historic day on June 20 as President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are set to appear together at a public event in Dandabos, Rairangpur. The visit is being described as unique and significant, as the Prime Minister will not only attend an official function but will also tour the President’s native village and interact closely with local residents.

The upcoming visit has generated tremendous excitement across Mayurbhanj, particularly in Rairangpur and Pahadpur, the native village of President Murmu. District authorities have intensified preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the high-profile programme.

Odisha Government’s Two-Year Celebration Moves to Mayurbhanj

The event coincides with the completion of two years of the Odisha Government. In a departure from tradition, the state-level celebrations and Cabinet meeting will be held in Mayurbhanj instead of Bhubaneswar. Residents consider this a matter of pride for the district, which will host some of the country’s most important leaders.

The occasion has also sparked enthusiasm among BJP supporters, who see the visit as a major recognition of Mayurbhanj’s importance in Odisha’s political and cultural landscape.

PM Modi to Begin Visit from President’s Native Village

According to the proposed schedule, Prime Minister Modi will land at the Dighasahi helipad near Pahadpur at around 11 a.m. on June 20. From there, he will travel by road to Pahadpur village, where he is expected to spend nearly an hour.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will tour several important sites linked to the local tribal heritage and the President’s family. He will pay floral tributes to the statue of President Murmu’s late husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, and visit sacred tribal worship sites, including the Jahira shrines of the Kohl and Santhal communities. He will also visit the village’s traditional Gosani worship site.

Interaction with Students and Skilled Youth

The Prime Minister is scheduled to interact with students and trained youth associated with the Skill Development Centre in Pahadpur. Many of these trainees are currently employed in various sectors outside the state.

He will also visit a local products exhibition organized at the SLS Trust School campus, where he is expected to engage with students, artisans, and entrepreneurs showcasing indigenous products and local craftsmanship.

Major Public Rally and Development Announcements at Dandabos

After completing his village visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel by helicopter to the Dandabos airstrip. There, he will address a massive public gathering in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.

Several major development projects worth hundreds of crores of rupees are expected to be inaugurated or have their foundation stones laid during the event. The projects are aimed at boosting infrastructure and economic growth in Mayurbhanj and across Odisha.

Top State Leaders to Attend the Event

The grand programme will also be attended by Odisha Chief Minister, the Governor, state ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The presence of the country’s two highest constitutional leaders on a single stage is expected to make June 20 a landmark day in the history of Mayurbhanj.

The visit is being viewed not only as a celebration of development but also as a tribute to Odisha’s tribal heritage and the remarkable journey of President Droupadi Murmu from a small village in Mayurbhanj to the highest constitutional office in the country.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Visit Odisha on June 20; Detailed Schedule Announced

OdishaConnect — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:10:14 +0000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Odisha on June 20 for a one-day tour, during which he will visit Mayurbhanj district and attend a public event marking the completion of two years of the BJP government in the state.

PM to Arrive at Pahadpur in Mayurbhanj

According to the itinerary released by BJP leaders, Prime Minister Modi will land at the Pahadpur helipad in Mayurbhanj district at 11:05 AM. From there, he will proceed to Gosani Pitha, Pahadpur, the native village of President Droupadi Murmu.

During his visit to Pahadpur, the Prime Minister is scheduled to explore several historical and cultural sites. He will remain there from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM.

Visit to President Droupadi Murmu’s Native Village

The visit holds special significance as Pahadpur is closely associated with President Droupadi Murmu. The Prime Minister is expected to interact with local stakeholders and review the area’s cultural and heritage significance during his hour-long stay.

PM Modi to Address Public Meeting at Dandabos

After completing his visit to Pahadpur, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Dandabos, where he will participate in a state-level programme organized to celebrate the second anniversary of the Odisha government.

The event is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, during which the Prime Minister will address a large public gathering. His speech is expected to highlight the achievements of both the state and central governments and outline future development priorities for Odisha.

Departure from Mayurbhanj

Following the programme, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to leave Mayurbhanj at 2:15 PM, concluding his day-long visit to the state.

BJP Confirms Visit Schedule

The details of the Prime Minister’s Odisha tour were shared by BJP General Secretary Biranchi Tripathy during a press conference. The party has begun preparations for the high-profile visit, which is expected to draw significant public participation and political attention across the state.

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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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Double-Engine Government Accelerating Odisha’s Growth: CM Mohan Majhi

OdishaConnect — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:19:10 +0000

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said that Odisha’s development journey has gained remarkable momentum due to the strong coordination between the Centre and the State under the “double-engine government” model.

Addressing the media on the occasion of the completion of 12 years of service by the Narendra Modi-led Central Government and the second year of its third term, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformative impact of various Central schemes and initiatives across the state.

According to Majhi, sectors such as connectivity, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, women’s empowerment, and social security have witnessed significant progress through the effective implementation of flagship Central Government programmes.

Central Schemes Strengthening Odisha’s Development

The Chief Minister said that landmark initiatives including increased railway budget allocations, the Sagarmala project, PM-KISAN, Lakhpati Didi, and Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana have laid a strong foundation for Odisha’s holistic development.

He emphasized that the Central Government’s support and guidance, combined with the State Government’s commitment to efficient governance, are helping preserve Odia identity while accelerating economic and social progress.

“Our commitment to building a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed Odisha by 2036 remains unwavering,” Majhi said.

PM Modi Set to Create New National Record

The Chief Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that the Central Government has completed 12 years of continuous public service, transparent governance, and welfare-oriented administration.

Majhi noted that Prime Minister Modi is set to achieve a historic milestone by becoming the longest-serving democratically elected head of government in India, completing 4,399 days in office.

Calling it a matter of national pride, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of Odisha’s 4.5 crore people and wished him a long and healthy life.

Progress Visible Across Odisha

Speaking at the event, Majhi said that welfare-oriented policies introduced by the Central Government over the years have opened new avenues of growth and development across the country and in Odisha.

He presented data and achievements showcasing the state’s progress in various sectors under the combined efforts of the Centre and the State Government.

Dignitaries Present

The media interaction was attended by Union Minister Arjun Meghwal, Rajya Sabha MP Manmohan Samal, and several senior members of the Odisha Cabinet.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the partnership between the Centre and the State would continue to drive Odisha’s development agenda and help realize the vision of a developed Odisha by 2036.

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Debashish Samantaray Files Rajya Sabha Nomination as BJP Candidate, Launches Fresh Attack on BJD

OdishaConnect — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:53:16 +0000

Former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Debashish Samantaray on Friday filed his nomination papers as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Odisha.

The nomination was submitted before the Returning Officer at the Odisha Legislative Assembly in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, BJP State President Manmohan Samal, several ministers, and party legislators. Samantaray filed four sets of nomination papers, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi serving as the first proposer.

His candidature was officially approved by the BJP Parliamentary Board a day earlier, putting an end to speculation over the party’s nominee for the Upper House seat.

BJP Leadership Extends Full Support

The nomination filing witnessed a strong show of support from the BJP leadership in Odisha. Senior party leaders, ministers, and MLAs accompanied Samantaray during the process, underlining the significance of his induction and nomination.

The former Rajya Sabha MP expressed gratitude to both the central and state leadership of the BJP for reposing faith in him.

“I feel like I have returned home. The party has once again given me the opportunity to serve in the Rajya Sabha. Whatever responsibility the BJP assigns to me, I will discharge it sincerely,” Samantaray said after filing his nomination.

Samantaray Predicts Further Exodus from BJD

Soon after filing his nomination, Samantaray launched a sharp attack on his former party, BJD, predicting that more leaders would leave the regional outfit in the coming months.

He claimed that the BJD was steadily weakening and that many leaders were looking for alternatives. According to him, the BJP’s growing influence and the presence of a “double-engine government” in Odisha would enable faster development and create greater political opportunities.

He also stated that working for the people would be easier with both the state and central governments being led by the BJP.

From BJD Exit to BJP Entry

Samantaray resigned from both the BJD and his Rajya Sabha membership on May 25. He submitted his resignation from the party to BJD president Naveen Patnaik and later met Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan to formally step down from the Upper House.

Following his resignation, he openly criticized the BJD leadership, alleging that he felt sidelined within the party. He claimed that he was prevented from visiting Naveen Niwas and accused the party of failing to uphold the legacy of Biju Patnaik.

A day after quitting the BJD, on May 26, Samantaray formally joined the BJP at the party’s national headquarters in New Delhi. He joined in the presence of Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal and Odisha BJP in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar.

After joining the BJP, Samantaray thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he was inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He pledged to work towards strengthening the BJP in Odisha.

BJP Claims BJD Facing Leadership Crisis

BJP leaders also intensified their criticism of the BJD following Samantaray’s nomination.

BJP MP Pradeep Purohit claimed that the BJD was facing a leadership vacuum after losing power in 2024 and predicted that more senior leaders and MPs could leave the party in the near future.

He alleged that several BJD leaders were already in touch with the BJP and asserted that the saffron party’s government in Odisha would continue for a long time.

BJD’s Strength in Rajya Sabha Shrinks Further

The development marks another setback for the BJD, which currently has no representation in the Lok Sabha. In the Rajya Sabha, the party’s strength has now reduced significantly and stands at only five members.

Before Samantaray’s resignation, two other BJD Rajya Sabha MPs—Mamata Mohanta and Sujeet Kumar—had also resigned from both the party and the Upper House.

With Samantaray now officially becoming the BJP’s Rajya Sabha nominee, political observers believe the move could further reshape Odisha’s political landscape and intensify the battle between the BJP and BJD ahead of future electoral contests.

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