The BJP has kept people guessing on its next Odisha unit chief for last many months. While in the beginning, it was believed that the mantle may be donned by either of the two Odisha Ministers in the NDA Government at Centre, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, or may be by KV Singh Deo for a second term, subsequently, the names of second rung leaders have figured in the list of probables. However, Oram and Pradhan would be conspicuous, no matter who leads the State unit.
For a considerable length of time, Dharmendra Pradhan appeared to be the top contender, given his veiled projection as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate for 2019 polls. Pradhan also made his presence felt by his frequent touring and statements on different State specific issues. Especially, during the Nabakalebar time, one of most important events of the Odias, Pradhan continued to grab much media focus.
Oram too was in the talk for being the sole lok Sabha member of the party, a Cabinet Minster and a tribal face. Given his rich experience, it was believed that Oram may be picked up for the State unit president post as the party in Odisha has yet to do a lot of homework to throw a challenge to the mighty BJD.
However, of late, new names are doing the rounds for the top post. It is said that Pradhan and Oram are still in the race for the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate but they may not be interested to lead the State unit as party’s position in Odisha has not improved much yet.
Besides, they are busy with their assignments and may not find it worthwhile to be relieved of their job so as to lead the party affairs in Odisha. Pradhan apart from his job as a Minister has also many other key assignments, including party’s organisational works.
The next probables, it is said, are Bijaya Mahapatra, Nayan Mohanty and Basant Panda. Since the party needs rejuvenation in the State, Singh Deo is unlikely to be taken up for another term as during his tenure the party’s performance has not been all that encouraging.
On the contrary, Mahapatra, Mohanty and Panda will be new face as party’s president if any of them is chosen for the post. Their merit is they are young, active and media-savvy. They have also been in the limelight for anti-Government campaigns and their observations in various sensitive and important issues of the State. While Mahapatra is one of the bitterest critics of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Mohanty and Panda too have carved niche for them for taking on the Government on various important occasions. Panda as a sitting MlA, a noncontroversial leader of western Odisha, an RSS member and Union Minster Pradhan’s favourite has an edge over the others.
