Historic Change in Odisha: Mohan Majhi Becomes First BJP Chief Minister

Odisha is witnessing a historic moment as Mohan Charan Majhi is set to become the state’s first BJP chief minister. This landmark decision was made during the BJP legislature party meeting on Tuesday. Majhi, 52, will be officially sworn in on June 12, in a ceremony that will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Majhi’s leadership will be supported by two deputies: Prabhati Parida, a first-time MLA, and KV Singh Deo, a seasoned six-time legislator. Majhi, who represents the Keonjhar constituency reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs), is a prominent tribal leader.

In his initial remarks as the CM-designate, Majhi emphasized his commitment to the development and rights of the tribal community. “We will work to safeguard the rights of the tribal people. We will make all the necessary facilities available to them like drinking water,” he stated, underscoring the importance of tribal development in the broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

Majhi also highlighted the concept of a “double engine” government, where the state and central governments work in tandem. He assured that his administration would adhere to the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ (pledge document) and fulfill the promises made to the people of Odisha. “Today, the double engine government has come into the state and now we will work according to the ‘Sankalp Patra’ we proposed for Odisha,” Majhi said, expressing confidence in the government’s ability to deliver justice and progress for the state.

The selection of Majhi followed discussions among senior BJP leaders and newly elected MPs and MLAs, overseen by Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav. Singh praised Majhi as a “young and dynamic party karyakarta” (worker) capable of leading Odisha towards progress and prosperity.

In addition to Majhi’s appointment, Singh announced that KV Singh Deo and Prabhati Parida would serve as Deputy Chief Ministers. This strategic move aims to bolster the new state government with experienced and fresh perspectives.

The decision to appoint Majhi came a week after the BJP’s victory in the assembly elections, where the party secured a majority by winning 78 out of 147 seats. Majhi will take over from Naveen Patnaik, who led Odisha for 24 years under the BJD banner.

Several names had been considered for the CM post, including Suresh Pujari, Manmohan Samal, and Girish Murmu. However, in typical BJP fashion, the leadership made a surprise choice, reflecting the party’s emphasis on fresh leadership and dynamic governance.

Before his swearing-in, Majhi is expected to visit the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The ceremony will be tightly secured, with several dignitaries, including union ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states, expected to attend.

This transition marks a new chapter for Odisha, promising significant developments under Majhi’s leadership and the BJP’s governance. With the support of his deputies and the central government, Majhi aims to drive Odisha towards a future of growth and prosperity.