BJD Appoints New National Spokespersons Amid Electoral Setback
In the wake of a significant electoral defeat in the 2024 Odisha Assembly Elections, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has appointed five new national spokespersons. BJD president Naveen Patnaik announced that Santrupt Mishra, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, Amar Patnaik, Sasmit Patra, and Pradeep Kumar Majhi would replace the existing panel.
Santrupt Mishra has also been appointed as the political secretary to Naveen Patnaik. Additionally, Sukant Kumar Panda has been named PRO to the BJD leader.
The BJD, which historically dominated Odisha politics, faced a surprising defeat, winning only 51 out of 147 assembly seats. The BJP capitalized on anti-incumbency sentiments and internal party issues, particularly Naveen Patnaik’s reliance on VK Pandian, which many believe alienated voters.
The BJD has also appointed 14 leaders as state spokespersons. Senior leader Pratap Jena is the new state media coordinator, while Swayam Prakash Mohapatra will oversee social media coordination.
