Mohan Charan Manjhi has taken oath as the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha, marking a significant political shift in the state. The swearing-in ceremony, which was a grand event, saw the attendance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, various Union ministers, and other notable dignitaries.
In a gesture of respect, Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief, also attended the ceremony following an invitation from Manjhi.
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The BJP’s victory in the recent assembly elections saw them winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats, while the BJD secured 51 seats.
Mohan Charan Manjhi, a seasoned politician with a record of public service and strong organizational skills, was chosen for the top post.
At 52 years old, he has been a four-time MLA from Keonjhar and served as the chief whip of the BJP in the previous assembly, making him the youngest among the frontrunners for the chief ministership.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) named Mohan Charan Manjhi, a veteran four-time MLA and a leading tribal figure, as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. This decision follows the absorption of senior state leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram into the Union government. To support Manjhi, KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida have been appointed as Deputy Chief Ministers.
About Mohan Charan Manjhi
Mohan Charan Manjhi, 52, represents Keonjhar and is noted for his extensive political and public service experience. His organizational abilities and previous role as the BJP’s chief whip in the assembly were crucial factors in his selection, according to sources.
Key Appointments
KV Singh Deo: A six-term MLA and former royal from the princely state of Patna, Bolangir. He served as a minister in Naveen Patnaik’s government for nine years until 2009, when the BJP-Biju Janata Dal alliance ended.
Pravati Parida: 57, a first-term MLA with 28 years in the BJP. She led the state BJP women’s wing from 2016 to 2022 and was the state BJP Vice President from 2022 to 2024.
Context of the Selection
Choosing the new Chief Minister was a challenging task for the BJP, which is forming the government in Odisha for the first time in 24 years, after the conclusion of Naveen Patnaik’s tenure. The BJP achieved a substantial victory, winning 78 out of 147 assembly seats, while the BJD secured 51.
