Big changes are expected in Jharkhand politics. Former Odisha Governor Raghubar Das has rejoined Jharkhand BJP. Many believe that he might be appointed as the new BJP President of Jharkhand.
BJP Plans Major Changes After Election Loss
After the heavy loss in the 2024 Assembly elections, BJP’s top leadership is planning major changes in Jharkhand. As part of this strategy, Raghubar Das rejoined Jharkhand BJP on January 10, 2025. In politics, nothing is impossible. Situations change quickly, and the right move at the right time makes a leader successful.
Since rejoining BJP, Raghubar Das did not hold any official position for about a month. However, he was in touch with many senior leaders. Finally, BJP’s parliamentary board made a big decision. With central observers Bhupender Yadav and Dr. K. Laxman present, BJP appointed Babulal Marandi as the leader of the BJP legislative party in Jharkhand. This means Babulal Marandi will now be the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Will Raghubar Das Become Jharkhand BJP President?
Now, a big question arises. Can Babulal Marandi hold two major positions at the same time? It is likely that Babulal Marandi will soon step down as Jharkhand BJP President. The party is preparing to hand over this role to Raghubar Das, who is a well-known leader from the OBC community and a former Jharkhand Chief Minister.
Political experts believe that BJP made Babulal Marandi the legislative party leader to clear the way for Raghubar Das to become the state president. BJP is focusing on the OBC and ST vote bank. The party may also give key positions in the Assembly to leaders from other communities.
Raghubar Das’ Political Comeback
On October 18, 2023, Raghubar Das was suddenly appointed as the Governor of Odisha. Many experts called it his ‘political death’. However, politicians always wait for the right time. In the 2024 elections, BJP gave a ticket to his daughter-in-law, Purnima Das Sahu, from his old seat, Jamshedpur East. She won the election and continued his political legacy.
On December 24, 2024, Raghubar Das’ resignation as Odisha Governor became big news. Then, on January 10, 2025, he officially rejoined BJP. Even though he has no position yet, BJP insiders say that major changes are coming soon. The party is planning to replace Babulal Marandi as state president and appoint Raghubar Das instead. These changes might happen after the Holi festival.
Raghubar Das’ Journey in Politics
Raghubar Das was born on May 3, 1955, in Jamshedpur. He completed his studies in science and law before working at Tata Steel.
He was active in student movements and was jailed during the Emergency (1975-76). In 1977, he joined the Janata Party, and in 1980, he became a member of the BJP. Over time, he held various positions in the party.
In 1995, he won his first election from Jamshedpur East and entered the Bihar Assembly. After Jharkhand was formed, he served as Labour Minister under Babulal Marandi (2000-2003). Later, he became Finance and Urban Development Minister in the Arjun Munda government (2005). From 2009 to 2010, he was the Deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
From December 28, 2014, to December 28, 2019, Raghubar Das was Jharkhand’s first non-tribal Chief Minister. He was elected as an MLA five times (1995-2014) from Jamshedpur East.
On October 18, 2023, he was appointed Governor of Odisha but resigned on December 24, 2024. On January 10, 2025, he rejoined BJP in Ranchi. Now, the big question is whether he will become the new Jharkhand BJP President. One thing is clear—BJP is likely to appoint an OBC leader for this position.
