NEW DELHI: Mohan Charan Majhi, a firebrand tribal leader, has been selected by the BJP leadership to become the party’s first Chief Minister in Odisha. Known for his impressive performance in the Odisha Assembly, Majhi’s appointment marks a historic moment for the BJP as it forms its first government in the state.
Majhi, who has represented the Keonjhar Assembly seat since 2019, secured victory again in the 2024 Assembly election by a margin of 11,577 votes against his nearest rival, Mina Majhi of the BJD. His political career, spanning over two decades, began as a sarpanch in 1997 and includes multiple terms as an MLA.
“Mohan Charan Majhi is a strong and firebrand tribal leader from mineral-rich Kendujhar district,” said senior journalist and political analyst Jatindra Dash. “He is known for his performance in the Odisha Assembly and comes from a humble background.”
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Majhi, 52, belongs to the Santhal tribe, which is predominantly found in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. His deep connection with the tribal communities and strong organizational skills have made him a loyal BJP member with significant influence. He has also served as the Chief Whip of the BJP Legislative Party.
“Delighted to announce that Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has been elected unanimously as the leader of the 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,” stated Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Majhi’s selection comes after the BJP’s remarkable victory in the Odisha Assembly elections, where the party won 74 seats in the 147-member assembly, ending the 24-year reign of the BJD. The BJD managed to secure 50 seats, with its leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik winning from the Hinjili seat.
Majhi’s tenure will see him working alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. As a non-controversial and vocal leader, Majhi’s role is crucial in steering the BJP’s vision for Odisha.
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In 2023, Mohan Charan Majhi was suspended from the Assembly for throwing non-boiled-whole dal at the Speaker’s podium. Majhi and his MLA colleague Mukesh Mahaling refuted that they had thrown dal, but had only presented it to the Speaker. The unique protest by Majhi and Mahaling was reportedly to highlight the alleged Rs 700-crore scam in the purchase of pulses for the mid-day-meal scheme.
Majhi’s journey in politics reflects his ability to connect with the masses, especially in tribal regions. His extensive work with the RSS and BJP’s Odisha state unit underscores his dedication to the party’s growth and development in the region.
Preparations are underway for Majhi’s oath-taking ceremony at Janata Maidan park, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, central ministers, and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states expected to attend.