June 5th 2024.
The people of Bhubaneswar were abuzz with speculation about who would be the next chief minister of Odisha. State BJP president Manmohan Samal added fuel to the fire when he announced that the party's parliamentary board would make a decision on the matter within the next day or two.
In light of this, Samal also revealed the main agenda of the new government - to replace the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a healthcare scheme of the current BJD government, with the Centre's Ayushman Bharat scheme. He explained that BSKY has its limitations and implementing Ayushman Bharat would benefit not only the people of Odisha, but also the 1.5 crore Odias living outside the state.
Samal emphasized that regardless of the change in government, the primary responsibility of providing healthcare services should not be compromised. He urged the administration to keep a close eye on any false rumors that may cause confusion about BSKY.
The BJP president also reminded reporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise during an election rally in Berhampur that the new BJP chief minister would take oath on June 10. He stated that the selection of the CM would be based on the criteria set by the PM - an Odia who will uphold the culture and tradition of the state.
Reassuring the people, Samal promised that all commitments made by the BJP before the polls would be fulfilled. He affirmed that the Assembly election was fought to protect Odia pride, culture, and tradition, and the people had put their trust in the party's assurances.
Samal further added that the BJP was confident in their victory, as it was the people who had fought the elections, fed up with the corrupt BJD government. As a result, BJP emerged victorious, winning 74 seats in the 147-member House and ending the 24-year rule of the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government.
Amidst all this, speculation continued to swirl about who would be the next CM. Some names that were being mentioned were Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who had already gone to Delhi, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, and Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi. However, the final decision would rest with the BJP's parliamentary board.
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