Amit Shah To Visit Odisha Again For 2 Days This Month Amid Cabinet Expansion Buzz

Bhubaneswar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to undertake a two-day visit to Odisha in the last week of this month.

While the detailed schedule of his proposed visit is yet to be announced, the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader is likely to be in the state for two days on December 29 and 30, according to party sources. Shah’s visit assumes significance as he was in the state from November 29 to December 1 to attend the DGP-IGP meet in Bhubaneswar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also attended the crucial event.

Shah, who is likely to attend a training programme for party MLAs in Bhubaneswar, will also be visiting Sambalpur during his two-day tour. He is likely to attend a few programmes as part of BJP’s efforts to further strengthen the party organisation in the state.

Ahead of Shah’s visit, speculations are rife that discussion may be held regarding a possible expansion of the BJP ministry in the state. With the Mohan Majhi government completing six months in power, there is speculation about inclusion of more ministers in the ministry.

The Home Minister’s visit will witness a mix of official business and party affairs. Shah is also likely to take a review of the preparation for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention to be held in Bhubaneswar for the first time. The convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9 while President Droupadi Murmu will attend the valedictory session the next day, sources said.

A major part of Shah’s visit is likely to be focused on the BJP government’s issues like cabinet expansion and other political affairs. At present, there are 16 ministers in Majhi government with vacancy of more than six.

One more important agenda on Shah’s engagements is likely to be the election of new state BJP president. Manmohan Samal was appointed party’s state unit president on January 23, 2023 as an interim arrangement in view of general elections this year. An elected state president is necessary for Odisha BJP to be eligible to participate in the organisational polls for the party’s national president which is due in January.