Political activity within the BJP in Rourkela has intensified after Union Minister Jual Oram issued a strong warning to those allegedly working against him and spreading misinformation.

Oram alleged that some people who had joined the BJP from other political parties were spending money to defame him. Taking a direct swipe at his detractors, he said they might be hoping that his exit would pave the way for them to become Union Ministers.

The Union Minister further warned that attempts to tarnish his reputation would not be tolerated. He emphasised that he had worked hard and made significant sacrifices to build and strengthen the party.

Speaking about his political journey, Oram said he had given his “blood and flesh” to establish the party and that the BJP had given him sufficient respect and position. However, he asserted that he had the strength to respond strongly if anyone tried to attack his dignity.

Jual Oram Changes Decision on Electoral Politics

Oram had earlier indicated that he would not contest elections again. However, he has now changed his position and announced that he will contest elections in the future.

Issuing a challenge to his opponents, Oram said he would closely watch who was working against him and what consequences they would face.

The Union Minister also revealed that he has already discussed the matter with BJP general secretary Manas Mohanty. He said the issue would be brought to the attention of the party’s central leadership in detail in the coming days.

His latest remarks have triggered fresh speculation and discussions within the BJP’s Rourkela unit, putting the spotlight on the internal dynamics of the party ahead of the next round of electoral politics.

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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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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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BJP Leadership Focuses on Strengthening Grassroots Organisation

The BJP National President held an important core committee meeting at the party’s state headquarters in Bhubaneswar and gave key organisational guidance to party leaders. During the meeting, emphasis was laid on strengthening the party structure at the grassroots level and ensuring better coordination between the government and the organisation.

The national president also took feedback from leaders on how the BJP can further strengthen its presence among people across Odisha.

Focus on ‘Samruddha Odisha’ Vision

The BJP leadership stressed giving priority to the vision of building a “Samruddha Odisha” or prosperous Odisha. Leaders were instructed to ensure that government welfare schemes effectively reach the last person in society.

The meeting also focused on improving governance and enhancing the delivery of public welfare programmes with greater efficiency and transparency.

Discussion on Government and Organisation Working Together

Party leaders discussed how the government and the BJP organisation should move forward in a coordinated and parallel manner. Strategies were discussed to ensure smooth communication between ministers, organisational leaders, and grassroots workers.

The BJP National President reportedly advised leaders to make organisational strengthening and public outreach their top priorities.

Nitin Nabin Praises Double-Engine Government

After attending the state core committee meeting at the BJP office in Bhubaneswar, BJP leader Nitin Nabin shared details of the discussion on social media.

He stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the double-engine government is taking Odisha towards a new era of development.

Recruitment Announcements Likely Soon

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said that discussions related to government recruitment are in the final stage and announcements are likely to be made by the end of this month.

He also stated that although Panchayat elections are still some time away, preparations will begin early to ensure that government schemes reach every section of society before the elections.

Roadmap for Developed Odisha by 2036

The BJP National President reportedly gave five key suggestions regarding the roadmap for building a developed Odisha by 2036. Ministers are expected to brief the leadership about the achievements of their respective departments during upcoming cabinet meetings.

Senior BJP Leaders Attend Meeting

Several senior BJP leaders attended the core committee meeting, including state BJP president Manmohan Samal, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram, Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, state in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, co-incharge Lata Usendi, former state presidents Sameer Mohanty and Basanta Panda, MPs Pratap Sarangi and Sambit Patra, among others.

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The Khurda District and Sessions Court has granted bail to senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Jagannath Pradhan, who was among the persons against whom high-profile assault case involving Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Ratnakar Sahoo case was registered. Pradhan, who was nabbed in June 29, 2025, was granted bail on a surety bond of 30,000 rupees and personal surety, his legal representative said on Wednesday.

The origins of the case lie in a violent act on June 30, 2025, when a group of people supposedly assaulted Sahoo since he was addressing a public grievance hearing at the BMC office. Police helmet camera footage of the assault, in which the senior officer is dragged and beaten, was released, and became viral, creating a feeling of widespread outrage. The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) Association termed Pradhan as the man behind the attack and wanted him to be arrested immediately. This prompted their demonstrations and a statewide cease-work protest, which disrupted the administrative activities till Pradhan gave himself up at the Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) station on July 3, 2025.

Grave Accusations and First Reversal
After his arrest, the Commissionerate Police booked Pradhan under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including the laws enshrined in assaulting a public servant, causing grievous hurt, and obstructing government work. The court dismissed his earlier plea to grant bail and remanded him to a 14-day judicial custody in the Jharpada Special Jail.

Not to be denied, a legal battalion led by Pradhan appealed the case to the Khurda District and Sessions Court. On July 8, 2025, Tuesday, the court listened to the arguments, and considered the case diary. It was the failure by the prosecution to provide crucial evidence which included a phone conversation between Pradhan and Sahoo according to his advocate Suresh Kumar Sahoo which undermined their case. The next day the court granted him bail and this was a momentary reprieve to the BJP leader.

Political Fall-Out and Continued Tensions
The event has been a political hot spot in Odisha. Protests of the OAS Association also forefronted the safety of the public servants and opposition parties, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), blamed the BJP led government in protecting Pradhan prima facie. In its turn, the BJP suspended five of its party workers who were reportedly involved in the assault and insisted that the case was politicized to blacken the name of the party. The former corporator Pradhan, who lost the 2024 Bhubaneswar Central assembly election narrowly, has persistently denied that he, in person, had direct involvement, and maintained that the allegation was part of a wider conspiracy to tar him and his party.

With Pradhan out on walk, the question now arises of what the next step in the investigation will be, and when the bail of five other suspects will be heard, following on July 15, 2025. The case brings political accountability and protection of government officials to a new level in the state of Odisha as both sides put on guard awaiting the outcome.

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