Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], January 11 (HBTV): Former Odisha Governor and ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Raghubar Das, has re-joined active politics by returning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday in Ranchi. Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi, along with other party leaders, warmly welcomed him back into the party.

Raghubar Das had resigned as Governor of Odisha on December 24, 2024, and was succeeded by Hari Babu Kambhampati, the former Governor of Mizoram. His return to active politics follows the BJP's defeat in the recently held Jharkhand Assembly elections.

In the elections, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) steered the INDIA bloc to victory, securing 56 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. The JMM won 34 seats, while its allies—the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML)—secured 22 seats collectively. On the other hand, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed to win only 24 seats, with the BJP itself securing 21 seats. Its allies—the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) Party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and Janata Dal (United)—won one seat each.

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor, Raghubar Das expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Odisha.

"I got to serve Jagannath Ji and the public of Odisha for 14 months. Being the Governor of a state is a responsibility, and we have to listen to the citizens. I fulfilled my duties, traveled across the districts, and received immense support and love from the people," Das said.

Das also praised the BJP as a party that provides opportunities for its members and expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving Odisha.

"BJP is a great party that gives every member a chance to serve and reach new heights. I am thankful to President Droupadi Murmu Ji, PM Modi Ji, and Amit Shah Ji for giving me the opportunity to serve in the land of Jagannath," he added.

Raghubar Das, a former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has twice served as the President of the Jharkhand BJP. He was appointed as the 26th Governor of Odisha in October 2023.

(ANI)