The BJP legislature party meeting to select the chief minister of Odisha ended in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening. BJP's tribal leader and four-time MLA Mohan Charan Majhi was chosen to be the new chief minister of Odisha, where the saffron party came to power for the first time with a clear mandate in assembly elections.
The meeting began on Tuesday evening in the presence of Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Bhupender Yadav, who are attending the crucial meet as observers.
Announcing the name of Majhi, a surprise pick, Union minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida have been made deputy chief ministers.
The BJP secured a majority by winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats in the recently held assembly elections, the result of which was announced on June 4.
Majhi will succeed Naveen Patnaik, the BJD supremo.
"Delighted to announce that Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has been elected unanimously as the leader of Odisha BJP Legislature Party. He is a young and dynamic party karyakarta who will take the state forward on road to progress and prosperity as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. Many congratulations to him," Rajnath Singh said on X.
While the names of Suresh Pujari and Girish Murmu are going in the rounds for the CM post, several party leaders have 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.
BJP is all set to form its maiden government in Odisha and has invited BJD president and outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled on June 12.
The party has sent the first invitation card for the ceremony to Lord Jagannath in Puri and it was delivered at the 12th-century shrine by some newly elected MLAs.