Major Political Moves Likely in Odisha After Rath Yatra as BJP Marks One Year in Power

Bhubaneswar: As the BJP government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, completes its first year in office, significant political and administrative changes are on the horizon. Party insiders indicate that a series of key decisions—delayed until after the Rath Yatra—are set to reshape both the government and the BJP’s organisational structure in the State.

In its first year, the Majhi government prioritised developmental projects and public welfare initiatives. Now, the focus is shifting toward strengthening internal coordination, filling vacant posts, and reshuffling cabinet roles to bolster governance.

One of the most anticipated developments is a cabinet expansion. Despite completing a year, six ministerial berths remain vacant. Party sources suggest that several new MLAs may be inducted into the cabinet, along with a potential departmental reshuffle. Names doing the rounds for new ministerial positions include Jayanarayan Mishra, Babu Singh, Irasis Acharya, Amar Nayak, Sanatan Bijuli, and Ashrit Patnaik.

The BJP also plans to fill nearly 150 vacant leadership roles in various boards and corporations. These appointments are being positioned as part of the government’s broader strategy to deliver on its promises and enhance public trust in its administration.

Another key pending decision is the appointment of the new State BJP president. The party is reportedly in the final stages of finalising a name, with the announcement likely to follow the conclusion of the Rath Yatra festivities. Senior BJP leader and Odisha in-charge Vijay Pal Singh Tomar confirmed, “Our state president will be nominated soon… Let the Rath Yatra conclude, then the remaining appointments will follow.”

Echoing this sentiment, senior BJP leader Pradeep Purohit added, “Dedicated party members are being considered, and appointments to boards, corporations, and ministerial roles will be made soon.”

Political observers attribute the delay in political appointments to internal deliberations over the state party president’s nomination. “The uncertainty over the next BJP state chief has held up several decisions. Once that is resolved, the rest will fall into place,” commented political analyst Akshay Sahoo.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Odisha, during which he praised the State government’s development work, has provided momentum for the upcoming political shifts. With Rath Yatra seen as a symbolic turning point, the BJP is now poised to accelerate its pending reforms and organisational changes to consolidate power and deliver on its governance agenda.