Won't contest in polls, says Union minister Oram

Sun Jul 13 03:31:59 IST 2025

Bhubaneswar: Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram on Saturday said he is not going to contest in future elections but would be willing to serve in other capacities such as a Rajya Sabha member or as a governor.

Speaking to the media in Sambalpur after attending a Rozgar Mela there, the six-time Lok Sabha member said, "I won't run for MLA or Lok Sabha MP any more. I will continue working for the party, but I feel it's time to make way for younger candidates."

The 64-year-old veteran politician contested nine elections so far – seven for Lok Sabha and two in the assembly. His announcement comes barely a year after his re-election to Lok Sabha, defeating BJD's Dilip Tirkey by more than 1.38 lakh votes from Sundargarh constituency.

Oram, who belongs to the Oraon tribe, made history in 1999 when he became India's first-ever cabinet minister for tribal affairs under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He held the same portfolio in the Modi govt from 2014 to 2019 and again for a third time in 2024.

His political journey began in 1990 when he was elected to the assembly from Bonai. Since then, he has maintained an impressive electoral record, winning all contests except in 2009 when former CM Hemananda Biswal defeated him from Sundargarh Lok Sabha seat. In 2014, he was the lone BJP Lok Sabha member elected from Odisha.

Before entering politics, Oram worked as an assistant foreman at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Born into a poor tribal family in Kendudihi village, Sundargarh district, he rose through the ranks to become one of India's prominent tribal leaders.

During his tenure, Oram was instrumental in implementing various programmes for tribal welfare and served as the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence from 2019 to 2024.

Amid speculation about the timing of his announcement, Oram, however, left the door open for his involvement in electoral politics. "These are my personal opinions. If the party asks me to contest again, I will comply," Oram said.