Mohan Charan Majhi has assumed office as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. In a ceremony held on Wednesday, Majhi, along with two deputy CMs and 13 ministers, took the oath of office. A four-time legislator, the 52-year-old leads the first BJP government in the state. Widely respected for his ascent from village head to CM, Majhi's political journey began in 1997, making him a seasoned politician and a favorite son of Odisha.
The BJP's resounding success in the assembly elections marks a historical moment, ending the BJD's 24-year reign and securing 78 out of 147 seats. Naveen Patnaik, who had been the chief minister continuously since 2000, was in office for 24 years and 98 days before the BJP's pioneering leadership emerged.
Mohan Charan Majhi is a formidable and dynamic tribal leader from the mineral-rich Keonjhar district. He hails from a modest background and is known for his impressive performance in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. His credibility as a responsible BJP member and a robust organizational leader is recognized by all.
The Son of a Watchman Who Became a Teacher
Coming from an ordinary family, Majhi was a teacher in the Saraswati Shishu Mandir of Jhumpura, Keonjhar, before entering politics. His father was a watchman, but Majhi chose to harness his leadership qualities as a Panchayat head, government deputy whip from 2005 to 2009, and a member of the Standing Committee on SC and ST under the ORV Act. During the last term, he was also the chief whip of the opposition.
According to Majhi's electoral affidavit, he completed his higher secondary education from Jhumpura High School in 1987 and his 12th grade from Anandpur College in 1990. He's a BA from Chandrasekhar College, Champua, and holds an LLB from Dhenkanal Law College. His organizational skills and inclusive leadership contribute to his political image as a man of the people, an image often used by political parties to appeal to voters.
Protesting with Uncooked Lentils
Majhi was notably suspended from the assembly in 2023 after an incident involving the protest of a ₹700 crore lentil scam where he was alleged to have thrown uncooked lentils at the Speaker. Though he denied throwing lentils, he clarified that it was intended as a form of protest.
An old RSS worker and prominent tribal leader, Majhi's elevation to CM aims to extend BJP's reach into the tribal communities of Odisha and neighboring Jharkhand, where elections are slated for 2024.
Strong Bonds with RSS
Majhi's political career spans over two decades. His ability to connect with the people, especially in tribal regions, has won him popularity. As a four-time legislator, he has an in-depth understanding of the state's governance and has played a significant role in shaping BJP policies for the region.
Owner of Nearly ₹2 Crore in Assets
As per the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission during the 2024 assembly elections listed on MyNeta.info, Majhi has declared assets worth close to ₹1.97 crores along with his liabilities amounting to ₹95.58 lakhs. Joint bank accounts with his wife total ₹10.92 lakhs, and his wife also holds an SBI fixed deposit worth ₹51 lakhs.
Bomb Attack on His Car in 2021
In a shocking incident in 2021, Majhi's car was attacked with bombs by unknown assailants in Keonjhar district, from which he narrowly escaped. Following the meeting of the labor union, this attack took place as he was returning home. Majhi filed an FIR accusing motorcyclists of throwing two homemade bombs and pointing fingers at local leaders of the then-ruling BJD.
