Bhubaneswar, 13 April (H.S.): Naveen Patnaik, president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has appointed senior leader Manas Ranjan Mangaraj as the Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha.

In addition, Sulata Deo has been designated as the Deputy Leader and Chief Whip of the BJD Parliamentary Party in the Upper House. Both appointments have come into effect immediately.

Patnaik has formally communicated the changes to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, seeking official recognition of the newly appointed leaders.

The leadership reshuffle follows the recently concluded biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha and the retirement of several senior BJD members. The move is seen as part of the party’s efforts to reorganize and strengthen its parliamentary leadership in line with recent political developments.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda