Mohan Charan Manjhi Named Odisha’s New Chief Minister, Oath Ceremony to Feature PM Modi

The BJP has chosen Mohan Charan Manjhi, a relatively unknown four-time MLA and prominent tribal leader, as the new Chief Minister of Odisha.

This decision comes after senior state leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram were inducted into the Union government. Additionally, the party has appointed KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as Deputy Chief Ministers.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. PM Modi is also expected to hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on his way to the Janata Maidan venue.

Mohan Charan Manjhi, 52, represents Keonjhar and has a notable political career, marked by his public service and organisational skills, which were key factors in his selection. As the chief whip of the BJP in the previous assembly, he was the youngest among the leading contenders for the top post.

KV Singh Deo, a six-time MLA and former royal from the Patna princely state in Bolangir, served as a minister in the Naveen Patnaik government for nine years until 2009, during the BJP-Biju Janata Dal alliance.

Pravati Parida, 57, a first-time MLA, has been with the BJP for 28 years. She previously served as the chief of the state BJP women’s wing (2016-2022) and as the state BJP Vice President (2022-2024).

Choosing the next Chief Minister was a challenging task for the BJP, which is forming the government in Odisha for the first time in 24 years, following Naveen Patnaik’s long tenure. The BJP secured 78 of the 147 assembly seats, with the party winning 51 seats on its own.

The BJP legislature party made the selection this evening under the supervision of Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav, who were sent as observers by the Central leadership. Key leaders and Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jual Oram also participated in the meeting held at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneswar.

Tight security measures have been put in place for tomorrow’s oath ceremony, which will be attended by several dignitaries, including Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states.