Real challenge of meeting people's expectations begins now: Samal

Anmohan Samal, who officially assumed office as the state BJP president for the fourth time on Tuesday, credited party workers for the electoral success and formation of the first ever BJP government in Odisha before noting that the 'responsibility' has increased manifold as we need to ensure a 'long innings' to transform the state.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 8 JULY:

He called for unity (perhaps sensing the disappointment among a few aspirants) and hard work, assuring that the party will stand firmly with the government and work towards fulfillment of all the 21 promises made in the manifesto.

Samal made it a point to credit the RSS and the ideological values that have guided the party and its workers.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was visibly overjoyed at the election of Samal.

From being ridiculed as a 'Signboard Party' (referring to the Biju Patnaik being dismissive of the BJP in the state in the eighties), to now leading the government under the popular Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, the BJP's journey is built on the perseverance and sacrifices of our karyakartas," Samal said. He was evidently relieved at successfully overcoming the intense lobbying by aspirants.