Mohan Majhi: Tribal Leader Entrusted With Heading BJP's First Government In Odisha (Photo @mohanmajhi_BJP)

It is the Bhartiya Janata Party’s first chance in power in Odisha in the history after it secured a landslide 78 of the total 148 seats in the recently held assembly elections. The party was in deliberation to pick its first chief minister for the state, which had been ruled by Biju Janata Dal (BJD)’s Naveen Patnaik for over two decades consecutively.

However, the saffron party on June 11 announced four-time Keonjhar MLA and firebrand tribal leader Mohan Charan Majhi as the 15th chief minister of Odisha. Notably, there are two deputy chief ministers, KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida. The victory of the saffron party ended the 24+ years of BJD dominance in the state.

Hailing from the tribal community, 53-year-old Mohan Charan Majhi was first elected to the state assembly in 2000. A non-controversial figure from a humble background, Mohan Majhi was re-elected again in  2004 and in 2019 from the same constituency. In the 2024 assembly elections, the tribal leader defeated the BJD’s Mina Majhi, securing 87,815 votes with a majority of 11,577 votes. In 2009 and 2014, he was defeated by BJD candidates Subarna Naik and Abhiram Naik, respectively. He was serving as the opposition chief whip, taking on the outgoing BJP’s government on many issues.

Mohan Majhi started his career as a guruji at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, a school run by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and he is known for his close association with the right-wing Hindu nationalist volunteer paramilitary organisation. His political journey kicked off when he became a village council chief, or sarpanch. After his first debut in politics, Mohan Majhi’s ability to connect with the people popularised him among a significant section of the people including different tribals.

Read also: VK Pandian Retires From Politics After BJD’s Decimation In Odisha

A well-educated politician, Mohan Majhi has completed a BA and LLB. Showing organisation skills from the beginning, the party recognised  Mohan Majhi’s mettle and influence growing. Due to his strong commitment to the tribal welfare, he was made the General Secretary of the BJP Odisha ST Morcha.

However, after being announced as the chief minister who is going to head the BJP’s first government in Odisha, Mohan Majhi thanked Lord Jagannath, saying that it was due to the blessings of Lord Jagannath that the “BJP has achieved a majority in Odisha and is going to form the government in the state.” The swearing in ceremony of the new chief minister will be held tomorrow.

Read also: Odisha Assembly Elections 2024: BJP Leading In 78 Seats, BJD Trails Behind With 53 Seats