Keonjhar, 15th July 2025: Following the Odisha Assembly elections, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now turned its attention to expanding the council of ministers and appointing party leaders to important posts in state-run corporations and boards. This announcement by State BJP President Manmohan Samal has stirred excitement and anxiety among aspirants across the state.
In Keonjhar district, where no leader previously held a corporation chairperson position during the earlier government, BJP leaders are now actively lobbying for key posts in the current BJP government.
Since the BJP formed the government in the state, Keonjhar leader Mohan Charan Majhi, as Chief Minister, has been steadily gaining popularity through his competent leadership. In the recent elections, BJP secured one Lok Sabha and three Assembly seats from Keonjhar district due to the dedication of grassroots workers. Many party workers played vital roles in strengthening the party and ensuring its success.
Among the frontrunners for corporation chairperson posts is Maheswar Sahu, the State President of the BJP Krushak Morcha. His efforts in organizing farmers statewide and helping streamline paddy procurement have helped reduce irregularities this year.
Another aspirant is Prithviraj Kuamar, who was denied a ticket in the last election. He had worked effectively to expose BJD’s corruption in Ghasipura and played a vital role in strengthening the party during difficult times.
Yajnaprasad, a youth leader from Anandapur sub-division, is also being considered. With the opposition being strong in the region, many leaders have approached state-level leadership to demand a young face like him for a corporation post. Yajnaprasad, who was a ticket aspirant in the last election, is considered close to the Chief Minister, making his chances stronger.
Former minister Premananda Nayak is reportedly lobbying the hardest. After being denied a ticket despite leaving BJD and joining BJP before the elections, he is now hoping for a corporation post as compensation. Although several leaders from BJD who joined BJP received Assembly tickets, Premananda was overlooked.
Women leaders Sukeshi Oram and Mamita Nayak, both ticket aspirants in the previous elections, are also in the race. Despite being denied tickets, they played key roles as dedicated party workers and contributed significantly to the party’s success.
Former district president Anshuman Sabuj Mahant Verma and Krushak Morcha leader Radhakanta Mahant are also in contention. Sabuj’s strong leadership helped the party win in Keonjhar, increasing his chances of receiving a post as recognition.
Senior BJP leaders Biraja Mishra and Ajay Sahu are also seen as close to the Chief Minister, giving them a potential edge in being appointed to a corporation position.
Kiranbala Nayak, one of Keonjhar’s prominent women leaders, is also lobbying for a post. Known for her tireless organizational work during the party’s difficult times and her staunch support for the local MP, she is a strong contender.
Additionally, Dilip Mishra, former chairperson of Badabil Municipality, is an aspirant from the mining belt. His contributions toward strengthening BJP in the region have added weight to his candidacy.
In summary, the race for corporation chairperson positions has intensified in Keonjhar, with multiple aspirants actively lobbying for appointments, hoping to be rewarded for their loyalty, efforts, or organizational contributions.