RANCHI, Oct. 14 -- Former MP from Palamu, Brajmohan Ram has been named Odisha Governor, making him the second person from Jharkhand after Raghubar Das to be appointed to the gubernatorial post in the neighbouring state in last three years. Having served in the Lok Sabha thrice between 1996 and 2004, Ram was a prominent Dalit face from the state during the period when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee registered its political ascent on the national stage. Before being elected as an MP from Palamu, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Castes, 68-yr-old Ram served as a member of the Bihar legislative assembly from 1991 to 1995 from the Latehar seat, also a reserved seat for the social group. A native of Chandwa, a small town in Latehar seat in Palamu Division, Ram has been in political oblivion since he lost the 2009 LS polls as an Independent. The appointment brought celebrations among the BJP workers, who made a beeline at Ram's residence to congratulate him for the new responsibility. Extending his congratulations, BJP state president Aditya Sahu, said that appointing Ram as Governor of a significant state like Odisha was a matter of pride for Jharkhand. "His extensive experience in public life, able guidance, and dedication to public service will provide new direction and momentum to Odisha, the sacred land of Lord Jagannath," he added. LoP Babulal Marandi also extended his congratulations, noting that Ram would successfully discharge his constitutional duties in Odisha through his experience and guidance. However, the appointment also 'surprised' a section of the party. "Nothing to take credit from him, but it's a bit surprising for us as well since he has almost been out of active politics. He has hardly held any position even in the party organisation in over a decade now. He contested unsuccessfully as an Independent in the 2009 Lok Sabha election after the seat went to ally JD(U) in seat sharing. He returned to the party later on but has largely been out of the limelight until today. He would always seek a party ticket at the time of elections but didn't succeed. He was lobbying for an MLA ticket from Latehar even in 2024 but couldn't gain the confidence of the leadership," a senior BJP leader said....