Odisha’s Political Shakeup: BJP Ends BJD’s 24-Year Reign
People of Odisha made history by ending the 24-year tenure of the BJD (Biju Janata Dal) government in the state. This historical moment became even more significant when the winning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced a tribal leader as the new Chief Minister of the state, which has a rich tribal heritage.
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister and Leader of the BJD, lost the 2024 assembly election to the BJP. Mohan Charan Majhi, the BJP’s MLA from the Keonjhar Assembly seat, is now the new CM of Odisha.
These unexpected election results demonstrated that the political landscape in Odisha was no longer favorable for Naveen Patnaik and his BJD, giving their opponents an opportunity to criticize. BJP leader Pratap Singh Sarangi slammed the BJD and Naveen Patnaik, stating that voters had shown the reality to Patnaik’s corrupt government. He further claimed that the BJD government had been a threat to democracy within the state.
Conducted alongside the general election of 2024, the Odisha assembly election resulted in the BJP winning 78 seats, while the BJD secured 51, and the Indian National Congress obtained 14 out of 147 assembly seats. In the Lok Sabha (General) elections, the BJD also lost to the BJP, which won 20 out of the 21 total seats.
Following their victory in both elections, BJP leaders in Odisha declared the outcome a triumph of good over evil. Pratap Singh Sarangi, who won the MP election from the Balasore Lok Sabha seat, asserted that the BJP had ended Patnaik’s “demonic” government. He also accused the former BJD government of being responsible for the murder of Swami Lakshmanananda Saraswati.
Sarangi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the victory, praising his efforts towards the Ram Mandir and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. The BJP, which was once in alliance with Patnaik, has now formed the government in the state alone by winning a clear majority.
Despite Sarangi’s harsh words for Patnaik and the BJD, BJP national leaders showed respect for Naveen Patnaik by inviting him to the oath ceremony of the newly appointed CM, Mohan Charan Majhi. Patnaik’s presence and gestures at the ceremony were widely praised; even after losing the election, he did not appear upset and wished the new BJP government well.
Social media buzzed with admiration for Patnaik’s humility and the credibility he has gained in Indian politics. Photos and videos of his interactions with PM Modi and CM Majhi circulated widely. In his speech after taking the oath, Majhi mentioned that he sought the blessings of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
Netizens speculated that Patnaik is keen on maintaining a good relationship with the BJP’s national leadership and the new state government. Additionally, the BJP does not want to lose the trust of Patnaik’s dedicated supporters. These mutual expectations are fostering a closer relationship and mutual respect between the parties.
What Turned the Tables?
The BJD, previously known for winning more than 100 seats in past Odisha assembly elections, ended up with only 51 seats this time. Political analysts are debating what caused this shift. Was it anti-incumbency? Or did people want to give a chance to the party leading the nation with its third consecutive government at the center?
Ups and Downs for the BJD
The BJD’s shocking defeat has led to various upheavals and rumors. Patnaik’s personal secretary and close aide, VK Pandian, abruptly resigned from his political position. He announced that he would no longer be involved in active politics. The BJP, which had always criticized Pandian, claimed he was a threat to Odia pride and now he is doing this drama of ‘resigning from politics’. BJP leader Arindam Roy said that Pandian would remain active behind the scenes and just pretend to quit politics. Speculation now surrounds who will inherit Naveen Patnaik’s legacy, with rumors focusing on his nephew, Arjun Patnaik.
Who is Odisha’s New Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi?
Mohan Charan Majhi is the newly appointed Chief Minister of Odisha. His appointment is notable and has sparked never-ending discussions in political circles. The 52-year-old tribal leader has a long history of representing committees and boards for tribal and scheduled caste communities. He also serves in the tribal wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.
Majhi’s journey is remarkable, from an RSS activist and teacher at an RSS-led Vidya Bharti network of schools to a village Sarpanch and now the Chief Minister of the state. A four-time MLA, Majhi represents the Keonjhar Assembly seat. An interesting episode in his political career occurred in 2023 when he was suspended from the Odisha Assembly by the then-sitting BJD government speaker, Parmila Malik, for throwing ‘Dal’ (pulses/lentils) at the speaker. Just nine months after this suspension, he now holds the most significant seat in the assembly.
