In a landmark event for Odisha’s political landscape, Mohan Charan Majhi, a senior BJP tribal leader and four-time MLA, was sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of the state. The oath-taking ceremony, held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. This significant political shift marks the end of Patnaik’s 24-year tenure, as the BJP takes the helm in Odisha.
The ceremony commenced at 5 pm, with Odisha Governor Raghubar Das administering the oaths of office. Alongside Majhi, BJP leaders KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers, reflecting the party’s strategic alignment to ensure a robust governance framework.
Other notable figures who took the oath as ministers included Prithiviraj Harichandan, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra. The cabinet was further strengthened by the inclusion of Suresh Pujari, Rabinarayan Naik, Nityananda Gond, Krushna Chandra Patra, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Suryabanshi Suraj, and Pradeep Balasamanta, all of whom are expected to play crucial roles in the new administration.
The event witnessed a gathering of top BJP leaders, underscoring the significance of this political transition. Among the dignitaries were Home Minister Amit Shah, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP President JP Nadda, Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and former Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also attended, emphasizing the central leadership’s endorsement of Majhi’s new government.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who accepted Majhi’s personal invitation to the ceremony, was welcomed with great respect by the BJP leadership. Patnaik’s presence symbolized a moment of political courtesy and continuity amidst change, as he received a warm reception from all senior BJP figures.
Several BJP-ruled state chief ministers, including those from Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand, also marked their presence, indicating a broad support network for the new government.
In a statement to reporters before the ceremony, Majhi expressed his commitment to start working on the promises made in the BJP’s manifesto within the first 100 days of his administration. This pledge aims to reassure the public of the new government’s dedication to delivering on its electoral promises swiftly.
The BJP’s victory in the recent Assembly elections, securing 78 out of 147 seats, was a decisive blow to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which garnered 51 seats. The Congress managed to win 14 seats, the CPI(M) secured one, and Independents took three. This electoral outcome has reshaped Odisha’s political dynamics, setting the stage for a new era under BJP leadership.
As Mohan Charan Majhi assumes office, all eyes will be on how his government navigates the challenges ahead and implements its vision for the state’s development. The inaugural ceremony marks not just the beginning of a new administration but also a historic moment in Odisha’s political journey.
