Das's resignation creates buzz; likely to return to active politics

Raghubar Das's resignation as Odisha Governor on Tuesday created a buzz in political circles, especially within the Jharkhand unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with speculations rife that the former chief minister is set to return to active politics, people close to the developments said on Wednesday.

- Vishal Kant

RANCHI:

Das, the only non-tribal chief minister of Jharkhand, moved out of active politics after being appointed as Odisha Governor in October 2023.

Now, the resignation of Das, the tallest Other Backward Class (OBC) face within the party in the state and the only chief minister to have completed a five-year term, has set rumour mills buzzing about his future role.

While a few speculated about his return to active politics in the state, others said he was set to take on a bigger role at the national level.

"It's difficult to say what role he would be getting, but he would certainly join active politics. He had given up his primary membership in the BJP after his appointment as Governor. As far as we know, he will return to Ranchi from Bhubaneswar on Thursday and once again become an active party member on Friday," a leader close to the former chief minister said.

Speaking to reporters in Odisha, Das, who has served as state president and national vice president twice, respectively, gave enough hints about getting back into active politics.

"I would abide by the decision of the high command and accept any responsibility given to me," he said.

Das said he had a pleasant experience in Odisha and it will remain as a memorable moment for him. Saluting the passion among Odia people, he expressed hope that Odisha will become a developed state in 2036 when the state will complete 100 years of its formation.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government in Odisha has been working for the development of the poor, he added.