Four-Time MLA Mohan Majhi Becomes First BJP CM Of Odisha With Two Deputies

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Mohan Majhi as the Chief Minister of Odisha with K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida as deputy CMs.

Majhi was among the frontrunners in the CM race. He has also served as the Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The appointment comes after the BJP sent Union Cabinet Minister Rajnath Singh and Bhupender Yadav as central observers to oversee the selection.

Majhi has been elected as the Keonjhar MLA for four times, in 2000, 2004, 2019 and 2024, while K V Singh Deo is the former president of BJP's Odisha unit.

Deo was also a Cabinet Minister in the Naveen Patnaik government until 2009 when Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was a part of the BJP-led NDA. Pravati Parida is MLA from Nimapara in Puri district.

The decision was made in the legislature party meeting on Tuesday (11 June). The BJP won 78 of the 147, securing a majority to form a government ousting the BJD.

There was no CM face announced by the BJP prior to the elections. However, senior BJP leaders had promised that "son of the soil" will be made the CM.