The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Mohan Charan Manjhi, a four-time MLA and the party’s prominent tribal face, as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. This decision comes as senior state leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram were absorbed into the Union government. To assist Manjhi, the party has appointed KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy Chief Ministers.
The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Ahead of the ceremony at Janata Maidan, PM Modi is expected to hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar.
Who is Mohan Charan Manjhi
Mohan Charan Manjhi, 52, represents Keonjhar and is known for his extensive experience in politics and public service. His organisational skills and role as the chief whip of the BJP in the previous assembly were significant factors in his selection for the top post, sources indicated.
KV Singh Deo, a six-time MLA and a former royal from the princely state of Patna, Bolangir, served as a minister in Naveen Patnaik’s government for nine years until 2009, when the BJP and Biju Janata Dal alliance ended.
Pravati Parida, 57, a first-time MLA, has been with the BJP for 28 years. She led the state BJP women’s wing from 2016 to 2022 and was the state BJP Vice President from 2022 to 2024.
Selecting the next Chief Minister was a complex task for the BJP, which is forming the government in Odisha for the first time in 24 years, following the end of Naveen Patnaik’s rule. The BJP secured a significant victory, winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats, while the BJD won 51.
The BJP legislature party finalized the leadership choices under the supervision of Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav, who were sent as observers by the Central leadership. The selection meeting, held at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar, was also attended by key leaders and Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jual Oram.
Tight security measures are in place for tomorrow’s oath ceremony, which will be attended by several dignitaries, including Union ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.
