KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida will be the deputy chief ministers.
In a surprising move, the BJP has selected four-time MLA and tribal leader Mohan Charan Majhi as the new Chief Minister of Odisha, following the induction of senior state leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram into the Union government. Alongside Majhi, the party has appointed KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy Chief Ministers.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. PM Modi is expected to hold a roadshow in Bhubaneshwar en route to the Janata Maidan venue.
Mohan Charan Majhi, 52, a four-time MLA from Keonjhar, emerged as the frontrunner due to his extensive political experience and strong public service record. As the chief whip of the BJP in the previous assembly, Majhi’s organizational skills were a decisive factor in his selection.
KV Singh Deo, a six-time MLA and former minister in the Naveen Patnaik government, brings significant experience from his tenure in the BJP-Biju Janata Dal alliance. His erstwhile royal status from Patna (princely state), Bolangir, further adds to his prominence.
This leadership transition marks the BJP’s first government formation in Odisha after 24 years of Naveen Patnaik’s rule. The party secured a majority with 78 of the 147 assembly seats, while the BJP won 51 seats.
The BJP legislature party finalized the leadership choices under the supervision of Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav, who were designated as observers by the Central leadership. Key leaders, including Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jual Oram, also participated in the selection meeting held at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneshwar.
Extensive security measures are in place for the oath ceremony, which will see the attendance of several dignitaries, including Union ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states.
