DBT Bureau
Bengaluru, 11 June
Bharatiya Janata Party, which is all set to form government in Odisha for the first time, on Tuesday announced tribal leader and four-time MLA, Mohan Charan Majhi as its Chief Minister. The saffron party also followed the formula of one CM and two deputy CMs as it appointed Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy Chief Ministers.
BJP got the majority in the current assembly elections, dislodging the 24-year-old BJD government headed by Naveen Patnaik.
“Delighted to announce that Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi has been elected unanimously as the leader of Odisha BJP Legislature Party. He is a young and dynamic party karyakarta who will take the state forward on road to progress and prosperity as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. Many congratulations to him,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who was the political observer for BJP in Odisha.
The new CM belongs to the Santhal tribe, mostly distributed in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. The appointment of Majhi carries political significance as tribals constitute around 22% of Odisha’s total population. Mohan Majhi has been elected from the Keonjhar constituency, which has a significant portion of the tribal population. Keonjar is a mineral-rich district with huge amount of iron ore reserve and sees operations of India’s most leading steel and mining companies. Despite being rich in mineral reserves, the district and its adjacent areas remain one of the poorest regions of India, replete with poverty, malnutrition, and mass migration.
Majhi, who is a son of soil, has a humble beginning. Started his career as a teacher in Saraswati Sishu Mandir, Majhi started his political journey as a village sarpanch during 1997-2000 period. He was elected as an MLA in 2000 and acted as the BJP Chief Whip in the Odisha assembly during his last stint during 2019-2024.
Known for his gentle but firm nature, who articulates his arguments sharply against the rival party both on assembly floors and outside, is believed to be a mass leader on whom BJP will rely to consolidate its position in the state.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and several CMs of other states along with many dignitaries will attend the swearing-in ceremony of Odisha’s new government.
