In an unexpected twist, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in the 2024 Odisha state assembly elections, ending Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year reign with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The BJP secured 78 seats in the 147-member Assembly, heralding a new political chapter in Odisha.
The crucial question now is: who will the BJP anoint as the new chief minister?
Strategic Decisions and Key Contenders
The BJP faces a significant decision in selecting a chief minister who can lead Odisha effectively. The party is inclined to avoid appointing an MP to the chief minister’s post, as every MP is vital in maintaining their strength in the coalition government at the national level. This consideration puts a question mark over the candidacies of prominent MPs Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram.
Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan, a key figure in the BJP and the main face of the party’s Odia identity campaign, brings considerable experience. He has served in the central government and has been instrumental in BJP’s electoral strategies in several states. Pradhan’s significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Sambalpur, defeating BJD’s Pranab Prakash Das by over 100,000 votes,. However, his appointment as chief minister would necessitate a by-election in his Lok Sabha constituency, a risk the BJP might be unwilling to take.
Jual Oram
Jual Oram, celebrating his sixth electoral victory, also stands out as a seasoned politician. Representing Sundargarh, Oram’s extensive experience is invaluable. Yet, similar to Pradhan, appointing him as chief minister would create the need for a by-election, complicating BJP’s strategic calculations.
Manmohan Samal
Manmohan Samal, the BJP state president, is another potential candidate. However, his recent defeat in the Chandbali segment to BJD’s Byomakesh Ray may affect his chances. Despite this setback, Samal remains a significant figure within the party.
Suresh Pujari
Suresh Pujari, another prominent name in BJP circles, is also being considered. His political experience and leadership qualities make him a viable candidate for the chief minister’s role.
Girish Chandra Murmu
An intriguing contender is Girish Chandra Murmu, a retired IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre and a close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Murmu’s extensive administrative experience and his roots in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district add to his credentials. However, given the backlash against Naveen Patnaik’s bureaucratic style, Murmu might face challenges in gaining widespread acceptance.
BJP’s Victory and Future Prospects
The BJP’s triumph in the Odisha Assembly elections is historic, not only ending BJD’s long tenure but also positioning the party for significant influence in the state’s governance. The BJP’s decisive win, capturing 78 seats, contrasts sharply with the BJD’s 51 seats and marks a turning point in Odisha’s political landscape. Additionally, the BJP’s overwhelming success in the Lok Sabha polls, winning 20 out of 21 seats, further consolidates its dominance.
The Path Ahead
The oath-taking ceremony for Odisha’s new chief minister is scheduled for June 10 at Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan. Meanwhile, BJP’s top leadership in Delhi is closely involved in the decision-making process, with separate meetings for MLAs and MPs from Odisha.
As Odisha transitions to a new regime, the chosen chief minister will seek to honor the legacy of Lord Jagannath and address the aspirations of the state’s people. The BJP’s parliamentary board, including key members like Manmohan Samal and Jayanarayana Mishra, is expected to finalize the chief ministerial candidate soon.
With fresh faces and a radically different regime, Odisha stands on the brink of a new era, poised to embrace change and progress under its new leadership.
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