Basant Panda all set to be elected as Odisha BJP president

He has also been a member of the Sangh Parivar since long and was an active worker in Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

As per the schedule, the candidates can file their nominations between 9.30 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. and withdraw their papers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday. The two time MLA, 54 year old Panda was elected unopposed, with no other candidate filing their nomination, to lead the BJP in a state where it holds just one of its Lok Sabha seats.

With Panda rising as the sole hopeful, there is no requirement for holding decision for the post now, he said.

Sawaikar said central observer Rupala and national general secretary B L Santosh will be present on the day of election of the president.

Apart from being a grassroot leader, Mr. Panda represents Nuapada Assembly constituency in western Odisha, and is in good terms with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as well as those managing the affairs in the RSS. Senior leader K.V. Singhdeo is the outgoing chief.

Collective efforts would be made to strengthen the party at the grass-roots level to enable it to come to power in thestate on its own, he said adding BJP would work hard to protect the interests of the poor, farmers and workers.