From sarpanch to Odisha CM, political journey of Mohan Charan Majhi

In a remarkable climb through the political ranks, four-time MLA Mohan Charan Majhi has been announced as the next Chief Minister of Odisha. The announcement was made by senior BJP leader and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on June 11. Majhi, a prominent tribal leader in the coastal state, will be supported by Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as his deputies.

Rajnath Singh took to the microblogging site X to share the news: "Delighted to announce that Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has been elected unanimously as the leader of Odisha BJP Legislature Party. He is a young and dynamic party karyakarta who will take the state forward on the road to progress and prosperity as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. Many congratulations to him."

Singh also announced the appointments of the Deputy Chief Ministers, stating, "Shri KV Singh Deo and Smt. Pravati Parida will serve the state as Deputy Chief Ministers. Congratulations to them!"

Mohan Majhi, aged 52, addressed the media following his selection, expressing his commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Odisha. "The government of the past 24 years has been changed. We will try to fulfil the belief that the people have shown in the BJP for the fulfilment of their dreams and for the development of Odisha. I promise to make Odisha the number one state in the country," Majhi stated.

Mohan Majhi's political career

Mohan Majhi began his political career as a sarpanch from 1997 to 2000. Majhi first entered the Odisha Assembly in 2000, representing the Keonjhar constituency. His tenure included serving as the Deputy Chief Whip in the coalition government with the BJD from 2005 to 2009.

Majhi passed higher secondary from Jhumpura High School in 1987, Class 12th from Anandapur College in 1990, and earned a BA degree from Chandra Sekhar College, Champua in Keonjhar. He also holds an LLB degree from Dhenkanal Law College.

The oath-taking ceremony for Majhi and other leaders is scheduled for June 12 at 5 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, with several dignitaries, including Union Ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, also anticipated to be present.

The BJP's victory in the assembly elections, where they won 78 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly compared to BJD's 51, marks a significant political shift in the state. This win ends the 24-year rule of Naveen Patnaik and the BJD, who had previously severed ties with the BJP in 2009 following a longstanding alliance.

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