Bhubaneswar

Naveen Patnaik on Monday appointed Manas Ranjan Mangaraj as the Biju Janata Dal leader in the Rajya Sabha.

Mangaraj replaces Sasmit Patra, who resigned from the position last week.

The party also named Sulata Deo as deputy leader and chief whip of the BJD Parliamentary Party in the Rajya Sabha.

The regional party currently has six members in the Upper House and no representation in the Lok Sabha.

In a letter dated April 12 to the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Patnaik requested official recognition for the newly appointed leaders of the BJD in the House.

The changes come shortly after the biennial Rajya Sabha elections held on March 16, 2026.

Patra congratulated both leaders in a post on X, extending his best wishes to Mangaraj and Deo. He said he looked forward to working under their leadership for the welfare of Odisha.

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He also thanked Naveen Patnaik for entrusting him earlier with the responsibility of serving as the party’s floor leader and reaffirmed his commitment to the BJD’s ideals and leadership.