New BJP Orissa chief with cadre feedback

As part of its revival plan for its Orissa unit, the BJP has decided to go by its cadre choice for the next state unit chief than a name preferred by a camp. Perhaps for the first time, the party’s central leaders from the state were kept out of the process and feedback from the cadre was sought for the new party chief in the state where the BJP is not even the main Opposition party.

Senior leader Basant Panda, considered close to the RSS and representing western Orissa, is likely to be elected the BJP’s next Orissa unit chief. Mr Panda is also the Legislative Party leader in the state Assembly. Other names, including that of Pratap Sarangi, are also doing the rounds for the post. The new state unit chief’s name could be announced on Thursday. Senior leader K.V. Singhdeo is the outgoing chief.

The BJP’s performance in last year’s Assembly as well as general elections was dismal in this Naveen Patnaik-ruled state despite its stunning performance in the general elections. Factionalism, leadership crisis and a weak organisational structure are some of the issues that the central leadership has been desperately trying to rectify in Orissa.

Sources said to check factionalism, party leaders this time extensively sought opinion from its cadre from across the state for the next chief. Central leaders were kept out of the process.