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{{short description|Indian politician}}
{{Short description|Indian politician}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox officeholder|name=Sasmit Patra|birth_date=|death_date=|constituency=[[Odisha]]|office=[[Member of Parliament|MP]] of [[Rajya Sabha]] for [[Odisha]]|nationality=[[Indian people|Indian]]|spouse=|party=[[Biju Janata Dal]]|residence=Bhubanswar|| office2 = | alma_mater=|profession=Politician|website=|footnotes=|term_start=28 June 2019|native_name=ସସ୍ମିତ ପାତ୍ର|native_name_lang=Odiya|image name=|image=|country=India|caption=}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name             = Sasmit Patra
| native_name      = ସସ୍ମିତ ପାତ୍ର
| native_name_lang = or
| image            =
| caption          =
| birth_name      = Sasmit Patra
| birth_date       = {{Birth date and age|1979|03|23|df=y}}
| birth_place      = [[Cuttack]]
| office           = [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha]]
| constituency    = [[List of Rajya Sabha members from  Odisha]]
| term_start      = 28 June 2019
| office1              = [https://sansad.in/rs/about/panel-of-vice-chairmen Member of Panel of Vice Chairpersons (Rajya Sabha)]
| alongside1          = [[Dinesh Sharma (politician)]], [[Bhubaneswar Kalita]], [[S. Phangnon Konyak]], [[Rajani Ashokrao Patil]], [[Tiruchi Siva]], [[M. Thambidurai]], [[Sasmit Patra]]
| term_start1          = from
| term_end            =
| nationality     = [[India]]n
| party           = [[Biju Janata Dal]]
| residence       = [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Odisha]]
| profession       = Politician, Lawyer, Academician
| education        = [[Ph.D.]], [[MBA]], [[LLB]]
| alma_mater      = [[Utkal University]], BJB Autonomous College
| spouse          = Sweta Millicent Paul
| children        = 1 son and 1 daughter
| father          = Swarupananda Patra
| mother          = Rashmi Mohapatra
| website          =  
| footnotes        =  
}}


'''Sasmit Patra''' is an [[Indian politician]] and a member of the [[Biju Janata Dal]]. Since 28 June 2019, he is the member of the [[Parliament of India]] representing [[Odisha]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]], the upper house<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.47.5/NewMembers/RetLMemState.aspx|title=Statewise Retirement|website=164.100.47.5|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> and appointed as chief whip of the party.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bjdodisha.org.in/news-details/974/2103|title=Shri Naveen Patnaik president Naveen Patnaik appointed Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra as the chief whip of the party.}}</ref> He is currently [[Spokesperson]] of [[Biju Janata Dal]] . He is an Indian Christian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/30234/2-from-bjd-1-from-bjp-elected-unopposed-to-rajya-sabha.html|title=2 from BJD, 1 from BJP elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha|website=www.theweekendleader.com|language=en|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/two-bjd-one-bjp-candidate-elected-to-rajya-sabha-from-odisha/1622383/|title=Two BJD, one BJP candidate elected to Rajya Sabha from Odisha|date=2019-06-28|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> His father was Swarupananda Patra, the former president of the Odisha Minority Forum (OMF).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sambadenglish.com/sasmit-patra-new-head-odisha-minority-forum/|title=Sasmit Patra New Head Of Odisha Minority Forum|work=The Sambad}}</ref>
'''Sasmit Patra''' ({{langx|or|'''ସସ୍ମିତ ପାତ୍ର'''}}) is an [[Indian politician]], [[academician]], and lawyer, currently serving as a [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://164.100.47.5/NewMembers/RetLMemState.aspx|title=Statewise Retirement|website=164.100.47.5|access-date=2019-06-28}}</ref> representing [[Odisha]]. Known for his articulate speeches and active participation in parliamentary debates.


==Education and career ==
He is currently national [[Spokesperson]] of [[Biju Janata Dal]] and also holds the position of the Chief Whip of the party in the [[Rajya Sabha|upper house]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bjdodisha.org.in/news-details/974/2103|title=Shri Naveen Patnaik president Naveen Patnaik appointed Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra as the chief whip of the party.}}</ref> He was renominated to the [[Rajya Sabha]] by [[Biju Janata Dal]] for a second term in May 2022.
{{BLP unsourced section|date=February 2021}}
 
Patra did MBA, PhD from [[Allahabad University]] in Organisational Behaviour & HRM. He teaches courses on organisational behaviour and human resource management. He has experience of working in academics and industry. Academic turned politician Patra is an Associate Professor in  
==Early life and education==
Organisational Behaviour at [[Xavier University, Bhubaneswar|Xavier University Bhubaneswar]]
Sasmit Patra was born to ''Dr. Swarupananda Patra'' and ''Rashmi Mohapatra''. His father was the president of the Odisha Minority Forum (OMF).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://sambadenglish.com/sasmit-patra-new-head-odisha-minority-forum/|title=Sasmit Patra New Head Of Odisha Minority Forum|work=The Sambad}}</ref> Patra belongs to a [[Christian]] family.
 
Dr. Patra pursued his education at [[Utkal University]], [[Bhubaneswar]], and Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Deemed University), [[Prayagraj]], [[Uttar Pradesh]].
 
His academic qualifications include:
 
* [[Ph.D]]. (Business Management)
* [[MBA]] (specialization in HR)
* [[LLB]] (Law Graduate)
* [[B.A.]] (Education Hons.)
 
Dr. Patra married '''Sweta Millicent Paul''', an academician by profession, on 6 February 2004. The couple resides in [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Odisha]].
 
==Professional career==
Before entering politics, Dr. Patra had a diverse professional career spanning academia, public policy, governance, and law:
* Worked on a [[UNDP]]-[[Government of Odisha]] development project.
* Held teaching roles in [[organizational behavior]] and [[human resource management]].
* Practiced law on a [[pro bono]] basis.
* Contributed to [[public policy]] development through his work with the [[Government of Odisha|Odisha government]].
* Distinguished professor, Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
 
He has an extensive academic background and has served as the Dean of '''Xavier-Emlyon Business School''', a joint collaboration between [[XIM University|Xavier University]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and [[Emlyon Business School]], [[France]].
 
==Political career==
Dr. Patra has wide-ranging experience of working across all four pillars of democracy – legislature, executive, judiciary and media.
 
His key roles include:
* [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament]] ([[Rajya Sabha]])
* Member of Vice-Chairmen Panel of Rajya Sabha<ref>{{Cite news |title=Vice-President reconstitutes Vice-Chairmen Panel, BJD MP Sasmit Patra reappointed |url=https://kalingatv.com/odisha/vice-president-reconstitutes-vice-chairmen-panel-bjd-mp-sasmit-patra-reappointed/ |work=Kalinga TV}}</ref>
* Member, Parliamentary Departmental Standing Committee on Human Resource Development which covers the [[Ministry of HRD (India)|Ministry of HRD]], [[Ministry of Women and Child Development|Women and Child Development]], [[Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship|Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]], and [[Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports|Sports and Youth Affairs]]
* Member, Parliamentary Joint Committee on Office of Profit, Privileges, General Purposes, and Ethics
* National Spokesperson and Media Coordinator, [[Biju Janata Dal]]
* Secretary and Member of State Council of [[Biju Janata Dal]] as well as Member of the BJD’s IT Wing Core Committee.
 
As of January 2024, according to the official records of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Patra has asked 436 questions, introduced 16 Private Members' Bills, and participated in 1,388 debates in the Rajya Sabha, with an overall attendance of 92%, including 100% attendance in 10 out of 14 sessions since July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Dr Sasmit Patra |url=https://bitslawschool.edu.in/faculty/prof-dr-sasmit-patra |website=BITS Law School}}</ref>
 
==Controversies==
In April 2025, Dr. Patra faced criticism within his party for creating confusion over voting on the [[The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024|Waqf (Amendment) Bill]] in the [[Rajya Sabha]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=BJD in turmoil over Waqf Bill vote: Naveen Patnaik urged to act against MP Sasmit Patra for voting in favour of legislation |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjd-in-turmoil-over-waqf-bill-vote-naveen-patnaik-urged-to-act-against-mp-sasmit-patra-for-voting-in-favour-of-legislation/articleshow/120015216.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref> Despite the BJD's decision to oppose the bill, Patra publicly stated that MPs could vote according to their conscience, leading to internal discord among party members.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Internal 'discontent' surfaces in BJD over shift on Waqf Amendment Bill stand |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/internal-discontent-surfaces-in-bjd-over-shift-on-waqf-amendment-bill-stand-latest-updates-2025-04-06-984229 |work=India TV News}}</ref>
 
Several senior leaders demanded disciplinary action against him for allegedly contradicting party directives and causing damage to its image among minority communities.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Double standards won't be tolerated: BJD MP Munna Khan criticizes Sasmit Patra over Waqf Bill vote |url=https://odishatv.in/news/odisha/double-standards-won-t-be-tolerated-munna-khan-criticizes-sasmit-patra-259742 |work=O TV}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[Biju Janata Dal]]
* [[Naveen Patnaik|Naveen Pattnaik]]
* [[Rajya Sabha]]
* [[Politics of Odisha]]
* [[Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha|Member of Parliament]], [[Rajya Sabha]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
About


{{DEFAULTSORT:Patra, Sasmit}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Patra, Sasmit}}
[[Category:Odisha politicians]]
[[Category:Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences alumni]]
[[Category:Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences alumni]]
[[Category:Biju Janata Dal politicians]]
[[Category:Biju Janata Dal politicians]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Odisha]]
[[Category:Rajya Sabha members from Odisha]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
 
[[Category:1979 births]]
 
{{Odisha-BJD-politician-stub}}

Latest revision as of 19:56, 26 February 2026


Sasmit Patra
ସସ୍ମିତ ପାତ୍ର
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
Assumed office
28 June 2019
ConstituencyList of Rajya Sabha members from Odisha
Member of Panel of Vice Chairpersons (Rajya Sabha)
Assumed office
from
Personal details
Born
Sasmit Patra

(1979-03-23) 23 March 1979 (age 47)
Cuttack
NationalityIndian
Political partyBiju Janata Dal
Spouse(s)Sweta Millicent Paul
Children1 son and 1 daughter
Parents
  • Swarupananda Patra (father)
  • Rashmi Mohapatra (mother)
ResidenceBhubaneswar, Odisha
EducationPh.D., MBA, LLB
Alma materUtkal University, BJB Autonomous College
ProfessionPolitician, Lawyer, Academician

Sasmit Patra (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) is an Indian politician, academician, and lawyer, currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha,[1] representing Odisha. Known for his articulate speeches and active participation in parliamentary debates.

He is currently national Spokesperson of Biju Janata Dal and also holds the position of the Chief Whip of the party in the upper house.[2] He was renominated to the Rajya Sabha by Biju Janata Dal for a second term in May 2022.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Sasmit Patra was born to Dr. Swarupananda Patra and Rashmi Mohapatra. His father was the president of the Odisha Minority Forum (OMF).[3] Patra belongs to a Christian family.

Dr. Patra pursued his education at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and Allahabad Agricultural Institute (Deemed University), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

His academic qualifications include:

  • Ph.D. (Business Management)
  • MBA (specialization in HR)
  • LLB (Law Graduate)
  • B.A. (Education Hons.)

Dr. Patra married Sweta Millicent Paul, an academician by profession, on 6 February 2004. The couple resides in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Professional career[edit | edit source]

Before entering politics, Dr. Patra had a diverse professional career spanning academia, public policy, governance, and law:

He has an extensive academic background and has served as the Dean of Xavier-Emlyon Business School, a joint collaboration between Xavier University, Bhubaneswar and Emlyon Business School, France.

Political career[edit | edit source]

Dr. Patra has wide-ranging experience of working across all four pillars of democracy – legislature, executive, judiciary and media.

His key roles include:

As of January 2024, according to the official records of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Patra has asked 436 questions, introduced 16 Private Members' Bills, and participated in 1,388 debates in the Rajya Sabha, with an overall attendance of 92%, including 100% attendance in 10 out of 14 sessions since July 2019.[5]

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In April 2025, Dr. Patra faced criticism within his party for creating confusion over voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha.[6] Despite the BJD's decision to oppose the bill, Patra publicly stated that MPs could vote according to their conscience, leading to internal discord among party members.[7]

Several senior leaders demanded disciplinary action against him for allegedly contradicting party directives and causing damage to its image among minority communities.[8]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Statewise Retirement". 164.100.47.5. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  2. "Shri Naveen Patnaik president Naveen Patnaik appointed Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra as the chief whip of the party".
  3. "Sasmit Patra New Head Of Odisha Minority Forum". The Sambad.
  4. "Vice-President reconstitutes Vice-Chairmen Panel, BJD MP Sasmit Patra reappointed". Kalinga TV.
  5. "About Dr Sasmit Patra". BITS Law School.
  6. "BJD in turmoil over Waqf Bill vote: Naveen Patnaik urged to act against MP Sasmit Patra for voting in favour of legislation". The Times of India.
  7. "Internal 'discontent' surfaces in BJD over shift on Waqf Amendment Bill stand". India TV News.
  8. "Double standards won't be tolerated: BJD MP Munna Khan criticizes Sasmit Patra over Waqf Bill vote". O TV.

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