Union Health Minister and BJP National President, J.P. Nadda, held a key meeting with top Odisha BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, at the state guest house on Friday. The discussion, which lasted over an hour, sparked speculation about possible changes in the state party leadership and organizational strategies.
Who Attended the Meeting?
Several prominent BJP leaders joined the discussion, including:
- Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal
- State BJP In-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar
- Organisational Secretary Manas Mohanty
- Vice President Golak Mohapatra
- Former Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu
What Was Discussed?
While there was a buzz about the selection of a new Odisha BJP President, party leaders downplayed the speculation. Insiders hinted that the talks revolved around strengthening coordination between the state government and the party organization. However, BJP leaders maintained that the meeting was purely informal.
Speaking to the media, BJP State President Manmohan Samal clarified, “No discussions were held regarding the appointment of a new state president. It was a casual interaction during JP Nadda Ji’s visit to the National Health Mission program.”
He further added, “Of the 17 core BJP team members, only four were present in this meeting. It was not an official discussion.” Addressing rumors about his own potential candidacy for the state party chief post, Samal firmly stated that he has never been, and will never be, a contender.
Nadda’s Courtesy Visit to the Governor
After the meeting, JP Nadda visited Raj Bhavan, where he met Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. Sharing details on social media, Kambhampati posted, “Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, paid a courtesy visit to me today at Raj Bhavan.”
He was accompanied by CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, and BJP State President Manmohan Samal.
Why Was Nadda in Odisha?
JP Nadda arrived in Odisha on a two-day visit. On Friday, he inaugurated the 9th National Summit on Good and Replicable Practices and Innovations in Public Healthcare in Puri.
While his visit included official engagements, his meeting with Odisha BJP leaders has fueled speculation about upcoming organizational changes in the state unit. However, for now, party leaders insist that nothing is set in stone.
