Odisha Begins Search For New Official Residence for Incoming Chief Minister. Here's Why

Naveen Patnaik, after being sworn in as chief minister in 2000, opted to work from his own home rather than a government-allocated house. 

Following the recent assembly poll in Odisha, where the BJP got a majority in the 147-member House, the legislature party in the state is all set to hold its meeting on Tuesday to select a chief minister in the state.

However, the search is not just for the next chief minister, but also for an official residence for the new CM.

Outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, during his more than two-decade tenure, operated from his own residence- Naveen Niwas, which served as the Chief Minister's residence. 

Patnaik, after being sworn in as chief minister in 2000, opted to work from his own home rather than a government-allocated house. 

The decision set a unique precedent in Odisha's political history as for nearly 24 years, all official and administrative work was conducted from Naveen Niwas - a mansion built by Naveen's father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik.

After the BJD chief lost the election to BJP, the Odisha's administration has intensified its efforts to locate a suitable official residence for the new CM.

Several vacant quarters, including the Chief Minister's Grievance Cell, have been shortlisted for the Chief Minister's residence, NDTV quoted a senior government official as saying.

Once, the house is shortlisted, it will not be immediately used to house the CM. The property will undergo necessary renovations and installation of facilities, which will take time. 

Meanwhile, the Odisha administration is planning to prepare a suite in the State Guest House as a temporary accommodation for the new Chief Minister.

In the past, former Odisha chief ministers including Hemananda Biswal and Janaki Ballabh Patnaik operated from a single-storeyed building near Bhubaneswar Club. 

When JB Patnaik was reelected in 1995, the Chief Minister's Office was shifted to a two-storeyed building which is the current Chief Minister's Grievance Cell. 

77-year-old Naveen Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of Odisha since 2000 and was the second-longest serving CM of any Indian state. He completed a record five term in power in the state.

On June 4, the BJP secured a majority by winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats. While the names of Suresh Pujari and Girish Murmu are in the rounds for the CM post, several party leaders anticipated that the BJP leadership might make a surprise announcement. 

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held on June 12 at 5 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Bhubaneswar at 2.30 pm on Wednesday and proceed to Raj Bhavan from the airport, as per BJP sources.