In a historic moment for Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, a prominent tribal leader, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the state today. The grand swearing-in ceremony took place at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, marking the beginning of a new era under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The ceremony was attended by key political figures, dignitaries, and an enthusiastic crowd of supporters.
A Diverse and Dynamic Cabinet
Mohan Charan Majhi’s ascent to the top office is accompanied by the appointment of a dynamic and diverse cabinet. The new cabinet includes two deputy chief ministers: first-time MLA Pravati Parida and veteran legislator Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. Their inclusion is seen as a strategic move to balance experience with fresh perspectives.
The cabinet lineup is as follows:
- Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo
- Pravati Parida
- Suresh Pujari
- Rabi Narayan Naik
- Nityananda Gond
- Krushna Chandra Patra
- Prithviraj Harichandan
- Mukesh Mahaling
- Bibhuti Bhusan Jena
- Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra
- Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia (Minister of State (MoS) with Independent Charge)
- Suryabanshi Suraj Sthitaprajna (MoS with Independent Charge)
- Pradeep Bal Samanta (MoS with Independent Charge)
- Gokula Nanda Mallik (MoS with Independent Charge)
- Sampad Chandra Swain (MoS with Independent Charge)
Key Victories and Portfolios
Among the prominent figures in the new cabinet is Suresh Pujari, who won the Brajarajnagar Assembly constituency by a substantial margin of 26,789 votes. He will play a pivotal role in the new administration. Rabi Narayan Naik, another key cabinet member, triumphed in the Kuchinda Assembly constituency, defeating his BJD opponent by 32,220 votes.
Nityananda Gond, victorious in the Umerkote Assembly constituency, and Krushna Chandra Patra, who won in Dhenkanal, are also significant additions. Gond defeated Nabina Nayak by 10,373 votes, while Patra won against Sudhir Kumar Samal by 20,439 votes.
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Ministers of State with Independent Charge
Several ministers were appointed as Ministers of State with Independent Charge, reflecting their critical roles in the new government. Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Suryabanshi Suraj Sthitaprajna, Pradeep Bal Samanta, Gokula Nanda Mallik, and Sampad Chandra Swain are among those entrusted with these responsibilities.
Transition of Power
The BJP’s victory in the recent assembly elections marks the end of the 24-year reign of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik. The BJP secured a comfortable majority with 78 out of 147 seats, while the BJD managed 51 seats, and the Congress 14.
This election also saw notable victories such as Prithviraj Harichandan in the Chilika Assembly constituency, Mukesh Mahaling in Loisingha, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in Gopalpur, and Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra in Morada. Their triumphs are seen as a testament to the BJP’s growing influence in the state.
It’s a historic day in Odisha! With the blessings of my sisters and brothers of Odisha, @BJP4Odisha is forming its first-ever government in the state.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2024
I attended the swearing-in ceremony in Bhubaneswar. Congratulations to Shri Mohan Charan Majhi on taking oath as CM and to Shri… pic.twitter.com/KOYTk7Epfb
Challenges and Expectations
As Odisha transitions to a new government, the focus will be on addressing the state’s pressing issues, including economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare. The new cabinet, under Majhi’s leadership, is expected to introduce policies aimed at inclusive growth, especially for the tribal communities.
The incoming administration’s priorities will also likely include enhancing education and healthcare, boosting agricultural productivity, and attracting investments to create jobs and improve the state’s overall prosperity.
Conclusion
The swearing-in of Mohan Charan Majhi and his new cabinet marks a significant shift in Odisha’s political landscape. With a mix of seasoned politicians and new faces, the BJP-led government aims to chart a new course for the state’s future. As the new cabinet members take their oaths and begin their duties, the people of Odisha await the transformative changes promised during the election campaign.
