Samir Mohanty takes charge as Odisha BJP President

Bhubaneswar: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Samir Mohanty today took charge as the President of Odisha BJP.

Mohanty was handed over the charge by outgoing President Basant Panda at a programme held at party’s headquarters in Bhubaneswar today.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries and MSME Minister Pratap Sarangi, BJP’s state in-charge Arun Singh and BJP’s national vice-president Baijayant Panda were present at the event.

Yesterday, Mohanty was elected unopposed as the President of Odisha BJP in Bhubaneswar as he was the only candidate to have filled nomination for the top post.

His name as the Odisha BJP’s new chief was announced by Union Minister and BJP’s central observer for organisational polls Narendra Singh Tomar.

According to political analysts, the saffron party’s decision to elevate Mohanty is aimed at strengthening the political outfit at grassroots level in coastal belts, where the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is dominant.

Mohanty, hails from Cuttack, is known for his strong organisational skills rather than electoral success. Under his leadership, the party will enter into upcoming civic body polls and panchayat polls in the state.

During his political career in BJP, he had held various posts in the party. He was also the spokesperson and vice-president of Odisha BJP unit.

Earlier, Mohanty had served as the Chairman of Odisha State Cooperative Housing Corporation during BJD-BJP alliance government.