The BJP has chosen Mohan Charan Manjhi, a four-time MLA and the party’s tribal representative, as Odisha’s new Chief Minister. This decision comes after senior leaders Dharmendra Pradhan and Jual Oram were inducted into the Union government. Supporting Majhi in his new role will be two Deputy Chief Ministers, KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida.
At 52, Majhi, an MLA from Keonjhar, stands out for his extensive political experience and organizational skills. His selection marks a significant moment as he becomes the youngest among the top contenders for the position.
KV Singh Deo, a six-time MLA and former minister in Naveen Patnaik’s government, hails from the erstwhile princely state of Patna (Bolangir). He served as a minister until 2009, during the BJP’s alliance with the Biju Janata Dal.
The BJP’s decision to appoint the next Chief Minister was complex, given that it is taking control of the state government for the first time after 24 years of Naveen Patnaik’s rule.
The selection process concluded this evening under the supervision of Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav, appointed as observers by the Central leadership. Key figures, including Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jual Oram, were present at the meeting held at the state BJP headquarters in Bhubaneshwar.
