Sudam Marandi to head New ST Cell of BJD

ONI Bureau: In a bid to boost its tribal outreach, the ruling BJD has formed its ST (Scheduled Tribes) Cell to be headed by former Minister & Bangiriposhi MLA Sudam Marandi as the State Convener.

Koraput MP Jhina Hikaka and Lanjigarh MLA Balabhadra Majhi have been appointed Vice Presidents of the ST Cell.

Umerkote MLA Subash Gond, Bishamkatak MLA Jagannath Sarka, Chitrakonda MLA Dambaru Sisa, Baliguda MLA Rajeev Patra, Former Telakoi MLA Premanada Naik & Senior Tribal Leader from Sundargarh, Emma Ekka have been appointed General Secretaries.

Since Congress has a solid vote bank among Tribals and of late, BJP has penetrated deep into that arena, BJD has floated the ST Cell not to allow both parties to have the upper hand.