Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and veteran BJP leader Jual Oram, widely regarded as the saffron party’s tribal face in Odisha where Scheduled Tribes constitute 22.5 per cent of the population, has announced his decision to quit electoral politics to make way for the next generation of aspiring politicians.
Oram, who stands tall as a symbol of tribal leadership within the Odisha BJP, had expressed similar sentiments during the 2024 election campaign, stating that the recent Lok Sabha election would be his last attempt at seeking votes.
After securing a win from the Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat, he was inducted into the Narendra Modi 3.0 government as Union Minister for Tribal Affairs.
Notably, the 64-year-old leader, hailing from the tribal hinterlands of Sundargarh district, holds the distinction of being India’s first Minister for Tribal Affairs, following the creation of the ministry under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“I will not contest MP or MLA elections. Still, I will work for the party and remain committed to its growth. This is my personal decision. However, if the party compels me to contest, I will abide by its decision,” Oram told reporters.
“I have contested both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections multiple times. It is now time for young leaders to be given the opportunity to enter electoral politics. I am trying to gradually step back from direct electoral contests,” he added.
He also indicated openness to future roles within the party structure. “I may go to the Rajya Sabha or be appointed Governor of a state if the party so decides. I am a six-time MP, a two-time MLA, and have contributed to the party’s growth since its inception,” Oram said.
Widely respected for his grassroots connect and approachable nature, Oram has remained a dominant figure in the political landscape of tribal-dominated Sundargarh.
His electoral achievements include successive wins from Bonai Assembly constituency in 1990 and 1995, and six terms as a Member of Parliament. He has also served as the state BJP president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.