Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik has appointed senior leader Manas Ranjan Mangaraj as the new Leader of the BJD Parliamentary Party in the Rajya Sabha. Besides, Sulata Deo has been appointed as the Deputy Leader and Chief Whip of the BJD Parliamentary Party in the Rajya Sabha.
Both appointments take effect immediately. Naveen Patnaik, in his capacity as President of the Biju Janata Dal, has formally written to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, informing him about the new appointments and seeking official recognition for the designated leaders.
The leadership reshuffle comes in the wake of the recently concluded Rajya Sabha biennial elections and the retirement of some senior BJD members from the Upper House.
This change assumes significance as the party reorganises its leadership structure in Parliament following the recent electoral changes.
