Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time MLA with deep roots in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has been appointed the new Chief Minister of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the BJP’s four-decade-long quest for power in the state. Majhi, a prominent tribal leader from the Santali community, will be sworn in on June 12, becoming the BJP’s first Chief Minister in Odisha.
Majhi, 52, hails from Raikala village in Keonjhar district, known for its rich mineral resources. His political journey began modestly as a sarpanch in Raikala panchayat before rising through the ranks. Alongside his political career, Majhi briefly served as a teacher at Saraswati Sishu Mandir, affiliated with the Sangh Parivar.
Elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2000 and 2004, Majhi faced setbacks in 2009 and 2014 following the collapse of the BJP-BJD alliance. However, he returned to the Assembly in 2019 and stood out during his term, introducing several private member’s Bills, such as the Odisha Whistle Blowers’ Protection Bill, 2020, and the Odisha Ground Water (Protection, Conservation, Regulation and Management) Bill, 2023.
Majhi’s rich experience includes roles as the Government Deputy Chief Whip, BJP’s Chief Whip in the 16th Odisha Legislative Assembly, and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Known for his dedication to tribal causes, he has been vocal about corruption in the mining sector, especially under the BJD rule.
On the eve of his proudest moment, Majhi demonstrated his empathy by consoling the family of his personal assistant who died in a road accident. Despite the tragedy, he returned to his duties, reflecting his commitment to his constituents and his new role as Chief Minister.
