The Jat and Gurjar communities hold significant electoral influence across several constituencies, and the selections are being seen as part of BJP’s broader strategy ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
Poonia also questioned the rationale behind some of the organisational changes, pointing out that he himself had been part of the process through which the original appointments were finalised.
The loudest whispers are around seven-term MLA Rajendra Rathore, with many questioning how a veteran leader like Rathore continues to wait while others move ahead.
Rashmita Panda, vice-chairperson of Bhubaneswar Development Authority with additional charge of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited has been appointed as secretary of MSME department.
Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia, along with Lieutenant Atul Kumar Dhull, received the prestigious ‘Wings of Gold’ from Rear Admiral Janak Bevli, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (ACNS) Air.
