Mohan Charan Majhi was on Tuesday selected to be the first BJP Chief Minister of Odisha. A four-time MLA from a humble background, Majhi is known to be a firebrand tribal leader. In the recent Odisha Assembly elections, the BJP achieved a significant victory, winning 77 seats and marking a major shift in the state's political landscape.
Following their victory in the Odisha Assembly elections, the BJP has finally announced the new Chief Minister. In a legislative party meeting attended by Rajnath Singh, Mohan Manjhi was elected as the new Chief Minister. Additionally, two Deputy Chief Ministers have been appointed: KV Singh Deo and Prabhati Parida.
Who is Mohan Manjhi?
Mohan Manjhi hails from the tribal community, and by appointing him as Chief Minister, the BJP has sent a significant message to this community. Manjhi won the assembly election from the Keonjhar seat in Odisha, which is an SC seat. He defeated Biju Janata Dal's Neena Manjhi by 11,577 votes. The 52-year-old Manjhi has won the assembly election four times. He has progressed from being the sarpanch of his village to becoming the Chief Minister of the state.
Manjhi To Lead Odisha's First BJP Government
Mohan Manjhi is set to lead Odisha's first BJP government. When Rajnath Singh announced Manjhi's name today, KV Singh Deo was the first to raise his hand in support. As soon as his name was announced, all the other legislators applauded in support. The BJP high command had sent Rajnath Singh and Bhupendra Yadav as observers for the occasion.
Two Deputy CMs Appointed
Along with making Mohan Manjhi the CM, Parvati Parida and KV Singh Deo have been made deputy CMs. Deputy CM Parvati Parida has won the assembly election from Nimapara. She defeated BJD's Dilip Kumar Nayak by 4588 votes. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who is going to become the second deputy CM of Odisha, is an MLA from Patnagarh and he defeated BJD candidate Saroj Kumar Mehar by 1357 votes. There was a very close contest between the two.