By exploreodisha.in 
As of February 26, 2025, the state of Odisha is led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who assumed office on June 12, 2024. He is the 15th individual to hold this position and notably the first from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state’s history. Majhi’s ascent to this role marks a significant political shift in Odisha, ending the long tenure of his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik, of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Early Life and Education
Born on January 6, 1972, in Raikala village, Keonjhar district, Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi hails from the Santal tribal community. His father, Gunaram Majhi, worked as a peon in a government secondary school. Majhi completed his schooling at Jhumpura High School in 1987 and pursued higher secondary education at Anandapur College in 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chandra Sekhar College, Champua, and later obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Dhenkanal Law College. Before entering politics, he served as a teacher at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Jhumpura, a school affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Political Career
Majhi’s political journey began in 1997 when he was elected as the sarpanch (village head) of Raikala panchayat. Demonstrating leadership and commitment to public service, he quickly advanced within the BJP, serving as the secretary of the party’s tribal wing in Odisha. In 2000, he was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly representing the Keonjhar constituency, a seat he successfully retained in 2004. During this period, he held the position of deputy chief whip of the government from 2005 to 2009.
Despite electoral setbacks in 2009 and 2014, Majhi’s resilience led to his re-election in 2019. As the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party, he was appointed as the party’s chief whip in the assembly. His tenure was marked by active participation in legislative affairs, including membership in the standing committee on scheduled castes and tribes and chairing the Public Accounts Committee from 2022 to 2024.
Chief Minister ship
The 2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly elections were a turning point, with the BJP securing a majority by winning 79 out of 147 seats. Majhi’s leadership and grassroots connection were pivotal in this victory, leading to his selection as the Chief Minister. He was sworn in on June 12, 2024, in a ceremony attended by prominent national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His cabinet includes two deputy chief ministers, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, reflecting a strategic approach to inclusive governance.
Personal Life
Mohan Charan Majhi is married to Priyanka Marandi, and the couple has two children. His journey from a village sarpanch to the Chief Minister’s office underscores his dedication to public service and his deep-rooted connection to the people of Odisha.
Legacy and Vision
As the first Chief Minister from the Santal tribal community and the third of tribal origin in Odisha’s history, Majhi’s leadership represents a significant milestone in the state’s political landscape. His administration focuses on inclusive development, aiming to uplift marginalized communities and drive economic growth across Odisha. Under his stewardship, the state is poised to embark on a path of progress, balancing tradition with modernity.
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