Speculation Abounds on BJP MLAs Poised for Odisha Cabinet Roles

Bhubaneswar, June 11 - In a significant political development in Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi has been announced as the new Chief Minister. With the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, the political landscape buzzes with speculation over the potential ministers. More than a dozen names from both senior and young factions of the BJP legislators are being considered for ministerial positions. This includes K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, who are set to become Majhi's deputies, alongside a diverse council of ministers.

Among the speculated names for Cabinet positions are seasoned politicians such as Jayanarayan Mishra, Suresh Pujari, Rabinarayan Naik, Laxman Bag, Surama Padhy, and Bhaskar Madhei. These leaders, with the exception of Bag, have been elected to the state assembly on multiple occasions. Bag's anticipated induction is particularly noteworthy due to his recent victory over BJD president and outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the Kantabanji assembly constituency.

The list of probable ministers extends further with Babu Singh, Irasis Achaharya, Sanjali Murmu, Satrughan Jena, Nabin Kumar Jain, Saroj Kumar Pradhan, Durga Prasan Nayak, Pradyumna Kumar Nayak, and Pradeep Bal Samanta Sukinda. Their consideration is largely attributed to their success in defeating members of Patnaik’s previous cabinet in recent elections.

Additionally, the political circles are abuzz with the potential inclusion of Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan’s son Prithiviraj Harichandan, Mukesh Mahaling, Nityananda Gond, and Suryabanshi Suraj in the new cabinet. The BJP leadership is also contemplating the inclusion of turncoat leaders such as Akash Dasnayak, Purna Chandra Sethy, renowned actor Sidhant Mohapatra, and Simarani Nayak.

As per the Constitution, the council of ministers in Odisha can have up to 22 members including the Chief Minister. This limitation necessitates careful selection to ensure a balanced representation of leadership that can drive the state forward under Majhi's governance. With the oath-taking ceremony imminent, all eyes are on these political figures as they prepare to undertake significant roles in Odisha's new administration.