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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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Naveen Patnaik Clarifies Formation of ‘Biju-Naveen’ Trust; Reminds Critics of Biju Babu’s Legacy of Charity

OdishaConnect — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:59:19 +0000

Amid intensifying political heat and an ongoing case in the Odisha High Court, Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has publicly defended the formation of the “Biju Naveen Inspirational Foundation” Trust, invoking the legacy of his father, Biju Patnaik.

“Charity Was in Biju Babu’s DNA”

Responding to allegations of opacity, Naveen Patnaik highlighted his father’s global reputation for philanthropy. He pointed to Biju Patnaik’s contribution to science through the institution of the Kalinga Prize, which he personally funded to promote scientific temper worldwide.

“Biju Babu was known for his charitable work. This foundation is a continuation of that legacy of service and inspiration,” Patnaik said, positioning the trust as a social initiative rooted in public welfare.

Controversy Deepens, PIL Filed in High Court

The trust has sparked a major political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging that it was used for questionable fund collection and to manage BJD-linked properties in Delhi.

The issue has now reached the Odisha High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by senior advocate Shivsankar Mohanty. The petition seeks a thorough investigation into the foundation’s formation, funding sources, and operational transparency.

Rajya Sabha Row Fuels Political Fire

The controversy escalated further during the recent Rajya Sabha elections when BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal accused BJD candidate Santrupt Misra of not disclosing his role as Secretary of the foundation in his election affidavit.

The BJP has raised questions over whether such non-disclosure could attract disqualification, intensifying the political confrontation between the two parties.

BJD Calls Allegations “Politically Motivated”

The BJD has strongly rejected the allegations, terming them “baseless” and politically driven. Party insiders maintain that the foundation aims to institutionalize the ideals and contributions of both Biju Patnaik and Naveen Patnaik for future generations.

All Eyes on Court Proceedings

With the Odisha High Court set to hear the matter, the “Biju-Naveen Inspirational Foundation” has emerged as a key flashpoint in Odisha politics. The case now places the legacy of the Patnaik family under judicial scrutiny, even as political tensions continue to rise in the state.

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Odisha Assembly in Turmoil: BJD-BJP Spar Over Drinking Water Debacle

OdishaConnect — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:14:53 +0000

The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed heated scenes on Tuesday as legislators from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) engaged in a sharp exchange of allegations over the state’s drinking water crisis during Question Hour.

The confrontation highlighted the growing political divide over the issue of water scarcity, particularly in rural areas across the state.

Heated Exchange During Question Hour

The controversy began when BJP legislator Durga Prasanna Nayak raised supplementary questions targeting the previous BJD government’s performance in ensuring access to safe drinking water.

Nayak criticised the BJD administration for installing only 26,000 tube wells during its 24-year tenure, questioning why the present government was taking time to bridge the gap in drinking water infrastructure.

Opposition Disrupts Minister’s Reply

When Rabi Narayan Naik rose to respond, BJD members staged a protest in the House, accusing the BJP government of inefficiency and failing to address the water crisis effectively.

The protests soon escalated into a loud confrontation, with BJP legislators strongly countering the opposition’s claims. The heated exchange disrupted proceedings for several minutes before the Speaker intervened with a stern warning to restore order.

Government Highlights Progress in Water Supply

Defending the government’s performance, Minister Rabi Narayan Naik outlined the administration’s targets to expand piped drinking water coverage across the state.

“We are committed to providing piped drinking water to every household by March 2027 through 207 mega projects,” the minister said.

He informed the House that as of March 5, piped water connections have been provided to 68,47,752 families, covering 77 percent of total households in the state.

Status of Ongoing Water Projects

According to the minister, 26 mega drinking water projects have already been completed, while another 28 projects are expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Naik also revealed that out of 44,531 villages in Odisha, 11,777 villages currently have functional drinking water schemes.

Minister Blames Previous Government’s Planning

Taking a dig at the previous BJD administration, the minister alleged that several detailed project reports (DPRs) prepared earlier were faulty, forcing authorities to relocate 18 intake wells.

He further stated that the state currently has 5,27,694 tube wells, highlighting the scale of existing groundwater infrastructure.

Water Scarcity Remains Key Political Issue

The confrontation in the Assembly once again underlined how drinking water supply has become a major political flashpoint in Odisha.

With rural water scarcity continuing to affect thousands of villages, the debate between the BJP government and the BJD opposition is expected to remain a central issue in the state’s political discourse.

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Naveen Patnaik Slams BJP’s ‘Double Deceit’ in Nuapada Campaign Blitz

OdishaConnect — Sat, 08 Nov 2025 12:17:28 +0000

Naveen Returns to Nuapada with Renewed Momentum

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik returned to Nuapada on Friday, reigniting the party’s campaign ahead of the by-election with a spectacular roadshow and public rally that drew massive crowds. The former Chief Minister landed at Gotma helipad around noon and embarked on a special campaign bus along Khariar Road, waving to enthusiastic supporters who thronged both sides of the route.

The roadshow culminated in a public meeting at Parkoda field, where Patnaik addressed thousands of people, energizing BJD cadres and urging voters to reaffirm their trust in the party’s symbol — the conch.

Sharp Attack on BJP’s 15-Month Performance

Patnaik wasted no time in taking on the BJP government, which has been in power in Odisha for 15 months. In a scathing critique, he accused the ruling party of failing to deliver on its promises and plunging the state into stagnation.

“They have achieved nothing,” Patnaik declared, demanding a public account of 500 days of governance. Contrasting the BJP’s rule with the achievements of his previous BJD government, he said, “Odisha witnessed growth in education, health, and infrastructure under BJD, but the BJP regime has only hyped superficial development through false propaganda.”

Broken Promises and Public Disillusionment

The BJD supremo hit out at the BJP’s unfulfilled 2024 election promises, calling them “a pack of lies.” He asked a series of pointed questions:

“Where are the 300 units of free electricity per household? What happened to the ₹3,500 pension for senior citizens? Where is the subsidized urea for farmers? And what about loans for Mission Shakti groups? Has corruption stopped?”

Patnaik drew laughter and applause as he mocked the government’s health schemes, contrasting the seamless BSKY cards of his administration with what he termed the “tension-filled Ayushman cards” of the BJP government.

‘Lies Cannot Win Hearts’ — Patnaik’s Emotional Appeal

Referring to the alleged attempts to disrupt his Komna meeting on November 3, Patnaik accused the BJP of conspiring to silence the BJD’s voice in Nuapada. “People have got lies, lies, and double lies,” he remarked sharply, before asserting that “Governments can lie, candidates can be stolen, but hearts cannot be won.”

The veteran leader said the people of Nuapada still feel betrayed and urged them to “answer the call of November 11” by voting for Snehangini Chhuria, the BJD candidate. “Support the conch symbol and protect the pride of Nuapada,” he urged.

Senior BJD Leaders Join the Show of Strength

The massive roadshow and rally were attended by several senior BJD leaders, including Prasanna Acharya, Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Tukuni Sahu, Adhiraj Panigrahi, Sanjay Dasburma, and Divyashankar Mishra, alongside key district leaders. Their joint presence showcased the party’s unity and resolve to reclaim Nuapada, countering opposition narratives of internal discord.

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Jay Dholakia Named BJP Candidate for Nuapada By-Election

OdishaConnect — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:22:39 +0000

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Jay Dholakia, son of the late MLA Rajendra Dholakia, as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Nuapada assembly constituency. His nomination comes after a surprising switch to the BJP on October 11, defying expectations that he would join the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Nomination to Be Filed in Presence of CM Mohan Charan Majhi

Jay Dholakia is scheduled to file his nomination papers on October 16 in Nuapada, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, signaling strong backing from his party. BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar confidently stated that Jay is likely to win by over 50,000 votes, asserting: “The BJD has not declared its candidate yet, and Congress is nowhere. BJP is going to win for sure.”

Political Drama After Sudden Party Switch

The bypoll has attracted attention due to Jay’s unexpected defection to the BJP. He had initially begun campaigning as a potential BJD nominee, and the party had seemingly prepared to include him in its official candidate list. His move has reshaped the political landscape in Nuapada, leaving the BJD scrambling and adding an element of suspense to the elections.

BJP Looks to Capitalize on Local Legacy

The by-election is shaping up to be a highly contested affair, with the BJP banking on Jay Dholakia’s local roots and the enduring legacy of his father. As nomination day approaches, political observers and voters alike will be closely watching Nuapada to see how this electrifying political battle unfolds.

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Jay Dholakia Joins BJP Ahead of Nuapada Bypoll, Political Equations Shift Sharply in Odisha

OdishaConnect — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:38:45 +0000

In a dramatic prelude to the upcoming Nuapada Assembly by-election, a major political realignment unfolded in Odisha on Friday as Jay Dholakia, son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His formal induction at the state BJP headquarters has effectively ended weeks of speculation surrounding the party’s likely candidate for the bypoll.

The joining ceremony turned into a show of strength for the ruling party, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, BJP state president Manmohan Samal, senior leaders Basant Panda and Suresh Pujari, and several top functionaries in attendance. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the venue to welcome Jay into the saffron fold.

CM Majhi’s Pitch: “BJP Has Delivered What Others Couldn’t”

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi took a swipe at the previous BJD government, claiming that its ministers had been “helpless” and unable to address people’s issues.
“Even the late Raju Babu (Rajendra Dholakia) had expressed frustration over not being able to resolve Nuapada’s long-pending problems. In the last 16 months, our government has fulfilled every promise. Jay’s joining will bring new energy and light to Nuapada’s development journey,” Majhi said.

Jay Dholakia: “Fulfilling My Father’s Dream Is My Duty”

Expressing gratitude after joining the BJP, Jay Dholakia said he was motivated by conviction, not compulsion.
“It is my duty to fulfill my father’s unfinished dream. I have joined BJP out of my own will after witnessing its vision, principles, and progressive governance. I dedicate myself to realizing the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Majhi, and my late father. Development in backward regions like Nuapada must be a continuous mission,” he said, asserting that he faced neither pressure nor inducement to join.

BJD Hits Back: “This Is Horse-Trading, Not Ideological Shift”

Jay’s crossover, however, has dealt a sharp blow to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which had reportedly considered him a potential candidate for the bypoll.
Reacting sharply, senior BJD leader Pratap Jena alleged, “Jay used to say Naveen Patnaik is his leader, but now he has joined BJP. This is nothing but political horse-trading. Rajendra Babu’s blood does not run in his veins — he was an adopted son. The late leader’s soul will never forgive this betrayal.”

Jena further claimed that Jay’s move would have no real impact on the outcome of the election, but his remarks have sparked controversy among locals, with many viewing them as disrespectful.

Nuapada Bypoll on November 11

The Election Commission of India has scheduled polling for the Nuapada by-election on November 11, coinciding with the Bihar Assembly polls. While Congress has already named Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate, both BJD and BJP have yet to announce their official nominees.

Jay’s induction, however, has changed the dynamics of the race, with strong speculation that he will emerge as the BJP’s face in the constituency — one historically loyal to the Dholakia family.

In the 2024 Assembly polls, BJP had finished a distant third in Nuapada, but with this symbolic joining, the party hopes to reclaim lost ground in western Odisha.

Political Significance

Jay Dholakia’s entry into BJP is being seen as a prestige battle — not just for the ruling party but also for Chief Minister Majhi’s 16-month-old government. The bypoll result is expected to serve as a litmus test for the BJP’s governance record and its growing influence in western Odisha, where emotional legacy, regional aspirations, and development politics are set to collide head-on.

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Odisha Assembly Stalled: Opposition’s Fertiliser Fury Wastes Three Crucial Days

OdishaConnect — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 13:43:37 +0000

Chaos Over Debate

The Odisha Legislative Assembly has remained paralysed for three consecutive days, with uproarious protests by the opposition derailing proceedings. Instead of deliberations on public issues, the truncated monsoon session has turned into a battleground of slogans, adjournments, and disruptions.

Of the seven scheduled working days, three have already been “washed out,” leaving just four days for discussions on key matters of governance and development.

Opposition Uproar Over Fertiliser Shortage

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLAs have been at the forefront of the protests, alleging a severe fertiliser shortage that is hitting farmers across the state. They stormed into the well of the House with placards, shouting slogans, and forcing repeated adjournments.

On Friday, the Assembly could function for only 15 minutes in total. The morning session ended abruptly after chaos broke out, and the post-lunch sitting lasted just a few minutes before being adjourned till Monday.

Democratic Functioning in Question

The repeated stalemates have raised grave concerns. A senior legislator, speaking anonymously, remarked, “Even the Assembly, with its very core of discussing people’s problems, is being defeated.”

So far, neither Question Hour nor Zero Hour has been conducted without disruption, turning the Assembly into a stage of confrontation rather than constructive dialogue.

BJP Slams BJD’s “Deliberate Disruptions”

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs have accused the BJD of intentionally stalling proceedings. BJP legislator Santosh Khatua directly attacked the opposition’s tactics, saying:
“They are not only disrupting the House but also paralysing governance. Is this a policy to kill farmers? With farmer registrations up by 25% and paddy harvest projections at 100 lakh metric tonnes, Odisha is heading towards self-sufficiency, not starvation.”

BJD Escalates to Governor

Meanwhile, the BJD has escalated the matter beyond the Assembly. Its leaders marched to Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to Governor Raghubar Das, urging him to intervene and resolve the fertiliser crisis. The move highlights the widening gulf between the ruling and opposition benches, with both sides trading charges of governance failure.

Public Concerns Over Wasted Session

With the monsoon session already half lost, pressing agendas such as flood relief, agricultural distress, and developmental programmes remain unaddressed. Citizens and stakeholders now worry that public money is being wasted on repeated adjournments and political theatrics.

The big question remains: Will Monday bring order to Odisha’s highest democratic forum—or yet another day of disorder?

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Manmohan Samal Lauds Subhadra Yojana, Signals Imminent BJP Appointments

OdishaConnect — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 11:15:59 +0000

Several BJP leaders in Odisha are eagerly anticipating their appointment as heads of various state organisations and committees, with expectations running high after August 20. However, BJP state president Manmohan Samal clarified that no specific date has been fixed yet.

Appointments to Be Finalised in Odisha

Speaking to the media after returning from New Delhi, Samal dismissed speculation that the decisions were being made in the national capital. He stressed that the appointment process is being handled within Odisha. “We are preparing the list of organisations and committees here in the state, in consultation with the Chief Minister, Union Ministers, MPs, and other party leaders. Once discussions are complete, decisions will be made—possibly after August 15 or 20, but there’s no certainty yet,” Samal stated.

BJD Advised to ‘Wait and Watch’ on Subhadra Yojana

Responding to criticism from the BJD regarding the Subhadra Yojana, Samal urged the opposition to “wait for five years” before judging the scheme’s success. He highlighted that Odisha is leading the nation in creating Lakhpati Didis—women entrepreneurs earning a sustainable livelihood.

Empowering Women Through Financial Support

Samal credited both the central and state governments for providing interest-free loans to women, enabling them to achieve financial independence. “The Subhadra Yojana is not only helping women start businesses but also boosting their confidence,” he said.

Popular Response to the Subhadra Yojana

The scheme has gained wide acceptance across Odisha, with women using the financial assistance to start small businesses and contribute to the state’s economy. Its popularity has turned it into a significant political talking point ahead of future elections.

Political Attention on Both Fronts

While BJP leaders await the announcement of key appointments, the party continues to focus on welfare programmes like Subhadra Yojana as part of its political strategy. The opposition is watching developments closely, and the coming weeks are expected to bring clarity on both the appointments and the progress of women’s empowerment initiatives.

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Aparajita Sarangi Slams BJD and Congress Over Balasore Student Tragedy

OdishaConnect — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:58:07 +0000

In the aftermath of the tragic self-immolation and death of a 20-year-old B.Ed. student in Balasore, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi lashed out at opposition parties BJD and Congress for allegedly politicising the incident to regain relevance. She accused both parties of “crocodile tears” and challenged their track record on women’s safety during decades of governance.

Tragedy That Sparked Statewide Outrage

The student, identified as Soumyashree, succumbed to 95% burn injuries on July 14 at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after attempting self-immolation two days earlier. She had alleged persistent sexual harassment by assistant professor Samira Kumar Sahu and claimed that despite repeated complaints to college authorities, police, and BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, no action was taken.

Opposition Launches Fierce Attack

Opposition parties seized on the incident to criticise the newly formed BJP government in Odisha. The BJD staged a massive protest in Bhubaneswar on July 16, demanding a judicial inquiry, the resignation of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Congress called for a statewide bandh on July 17, with party president Bhakta Charan Das echoing similar demands. BJD’s Snehangini Chhuria accused the BJP of turning “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” into “Beti Padhao, Beti Jalao.”

BJP MP Counters With Governance Record

In response, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi rebuked the opposition’s narrative. She criticised the BJD’s 24-year rule and Congress’s decades in power for failing to create safe environments for women. Sarangi also targeted Congress leader Alka Lamba for allegedly stoking protests from Delhi. “Did Naveen Patnaik ever visit a victim as Chief Minister?” she asked, challenging the sincerity of opposition leaders.

Government Acts, But Political Tempers Rise

The state government promptly suspended Fakir Mohan College’s director, Dilip Ghose, and removed the accused professor. A high-level inquiry committee was announced. CM Majhi assured the “strictest punishment” for anyone found guilty. However, the political blame game has continued, with social media echoing both public sympathy and scepticism over the motives behind opposition protests.

A Tragedy Exposes Deep Political and Institutional Fault Lines

As Odisha mourns the loss of a young student, the event has exposed systemic gaps in ensuring women’s safety and the widening political rift. While opposition parties demand resignations, BJP leaders insist on due process and reject allegations of negligence. The issue remains deeply polarising as investigations proceed.

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