Das could be made nat’l prez or J’khand head of party: BJP insiders
Ranchi/Jamshedpur/Bhubaneswar: Raghubar Das‘s resignation as Odisha governor on Tuesday has triggered intense speculation, particularly in Jamshedpur, his hometown, with the timing of his resignation coinciding with potential organisational changes in the Jharkhand BJP. Party members and political observers are keenly watching the developments as Das’s next move could significantly impact both Jharkhand and national politics.
Das is expected to arrive at the Ranchi airport Thursday afternoon. He is expected to address media queries about his plans to clear the air. Party insiders said he would rejoin BJP as a primary member on Dec 27 in Ranchi after which the party’s national leadership would accord him important responsibilities for Jharkhand. However, some others suggested his role as the national party president.
On Wednesday, Das, who went to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, told the media that the party’s central leadership would decide his future. “I come from a common mazdoor family. From a booth-level worker, I served in various capacities. I was given a chance to serve the people of Jharkhand. I will discharge whatever responsibility the party entrusts me with,” he said.
Das further said, “The party will decide my role. I feel blessed to have served the people of Odisha. It has been progressing very fast with a double-engine govt led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
A party leader from the Kolhan region said, “BJP’s disappointing performance in the recent state assembly polls necessitates a strong leader to revitalize the party cadres and challenge the state govt on public issues. The central leadership might utilize Das’s organisational expertise as the state party president.”
At the same time, a close aide of Das also hinted at broader possibilities, saying, “As a prominent OBC leader, Raghubar ji is being considered for the state president, but some leaders suggest he could be elevated to the post of the national president, especially considering the upcoming Delhi and Bihar elections where OBC voters are crucial.”
Das’s daughter-in-law, Purnima Sahu, who became a first-time MLA from Jamshedpur East, already said she would quit the seat to pave the way for her father-in-law. “This will depend upon the party and I am ready to abide by whatever I am told to do,” she said.
Stating that she is happy with Das’s decision, Purnima said not just “our family members, even BJP workers have been eagerly waiting for Raghubar ji to take up a lead role in the state”. “Everyone will admit that the state BJP needs a strong leadership but we will be happy at whatever level he is engaged by the party,” Sahu added.
Anil Modi, the party’s East Singhbhum district general secretary, said the date for formal induction of the 69-year-old politician into the party would be announced soon.
BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said Das has been a tall leader at the national level who rose from a mandal president to become the CM of Jharkhand and the governor of Odisha. “There is no doubt about his abilities as a leader and if the party gives him the responsibility, we are sure that he would shoulder them successfully again,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP’s Odisha president Manmohan Samal said, “The PM and the central leadership must have decided Das’s role. It’s not appropriate for me to comment on it.”
Notably, Das came under attack from the BJD-led opposition during his 14-month tenure following allegations that his son, Lalit Das, allegedly assaulted a govt employee posted at the Odisha Raj Bhavan.
Das is expected to arrive at the Ranchi airport Thursday afternoon. He is expected to address media queries about his plans to clear the air. Party insiders said he would rejoin BJP as a primary member on Dec 27 in Ranchi after which the party’s national leadership would accord him important responsibilities for Jharkhand. However, some others suggested his role as the national party president.
On Wednesday, Das, who went to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, told the media that the party’s central leadership would decide his future. “I come from a common mazdoor family. From a booth-level worker, I served in various capacities. I was given a chance to serve the people of Jharkhand. I will discharge whatever responsibility the party entrusts me with,” he said.
Das further said, “The party will decide my role. I feel blessed to have served the people of Odisha. It has been progressing very fast with a double-engine govt led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
A party leader from the Kolhan region said, “BJP’s disappointing performance in the recent state assembly polls necessitates a strong leader to revitalize the party cadres and challenge the state govt on public issues. The central leadership might utilize Das’s organisational expertise as the state party president.”
At the same time, a close aide of Das also hinted at broader possibilities, saying, “As a prominent OBC leader, Raghubar ji is being considered for the state president, but some leaders suggest he could be elevated to the post of the national president, especially considering the upcoming Delhi and Bihar elections where OBC voters are crucial.”
Das’s daughter-in-law, Purnima Sahu, who became a first-time MLA from Jamshedpur East, already said she would quit the seat to pave the way for her father-in-law. “This will depend upon the party and I am ready to abide by whatever I am told to do,” she said.
Stating that she is happy with Das’s decision, Purnima said not just “our family members, even BJP workers have been eagerly waiting for Raghubar ji to take up a lead role in the state”. “Everyone will admit that the state BJP needs a strong leadership but we will be happy at whatever level he is engaged by the party,” Sahu added.
Anil Modi, the party’s East Singhbhum district general secretary, said the date for formal induction of the 69-year-old politician into the party would be announced soon.
BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said Das has been a tall leader at the national level who rose from a mandal president to become the CM of Jharkhand and the governor of Odisha. “There is no doubt about his abilities as a leader and if the party gives him the responsibility, we are sure that he would shoulder them successfully again,” he said.
Meanwhile, BJP’s Odisha president Manmohan Samal said, “The PM and the central leadership must have decided Das’s role. It’s not appropriate for me to comment on it.”
Notably, Das came under attack from the BJD-led opposition during his 14-month tenure following allegations that his son, Lalit Das, allegedly assaulted a govt employee posted at the Odisha Raj Bhavan.
