Naveen Patnaik Appoints Manas Mangaraj as BJD Leader in Rajya Sabha, Sulata Deo Named Deputy Leader and Chief Whip

Bhubaneswar, April 13: BJD president  Naveen Patnaik has announced a major reshuffle in the party’s Rajya Sabha leadership.

Senior leader Manas Ranjan Mangaraj has been appointed as the Leader of the BJD Parliamentary Party in Rajya Sabha, while Sulata Deo has been entrusted with dual responsibilities as Deputy Leader and Chief Whip.

The decision comes in the wake of the biennial Rajya Sabha elections and the retirement of senior MPs, alongside the resignation of Dr Sasmit Patra from the Leader’s post.

In a letter dated April 12, 2026, Naveen Patnaik formally requested the Rajya Sabha Chairman to recognise the new appointments.

Political observers view this reshuffle as a strategic recalibration of BJD’s parliamentary approach, aimed at strengthening Odisha’s voice in the Upper House while maintaining the party’s independent yet influential role in national politics.

This move marks the beginning of a renewed chapter for BJD in Delhi, signalling Naveen Patnaik’s intent to reinforce the party’s presence and ensure Odisha’s interests remain at the forefront of parliamentary debates.