Chief Minister of Odisha

Chief Minister of Odisha

1. Office of the Chief Minister of Odisha
2. Historical Background: Formation of Orissa Province
3. Evolution of Leadership Since Independence
4. Current Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
5. Chronological List of Chief Ministers (1947 onwards)

The Chief Minister of Odisha is the head of the Government of the Indian state of Odisha. Under the Constitution of India, the Governor is the de jure (constitutional) head of the state, while the real executive authority rests with the Chief Minister. After elections to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the Governor invites the party or coalition with a majority to form the government and appoints the Chief Minister.

The Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, is collectively responsible to the Assembly. The Chief Minister serves a five-year term as long as they enjoy the confidence of the Assembly. There are no term limits. The Chief Minister also functions as the Leader of the House in the Legislative Assembly.

Historical Background: Formation of Orissa Province

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, became a separate province on 1 April 1936. The early years of provincial governance were shaped under British rule. The first provincial government was formed under the leadership of Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, who served as Prime Minister of Orissa until July 1937.

He was succeeded by Indian National Congress leader Bishwanath Das, who served for over two years. Later, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati returned briefly to office before handing over leadership to Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab in 1946. These transitions reflected the gradual shift from princely and colonial administrative structures to democratic leadership.

After India’s independence in 1947, the British-era designation of “Prime Minister” or “Premier” for provincial heads was abolished. Under the new constitutional framework, the office of Chief Minister was created. Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab continued as the head of government during this transition until the first elections after independence, after which Nabakrushna Choudhury assumed office.

Evolution of Leadership Since Independence

Since 1946, Odisha has had 14 Chief Ministers. The state’s political history reflects shifts between the Indian National Congress, regional parties, and later national parties. One of the most significant phases in Odisha’s governance began in 2000, when Naveen Patnaik of the Biju Janata Dal became Chief Minister.

Serving continuously from 2000 to 2024, Naveen Patnaik became the longest-serving Chief Minister in Odisha’s history. His tenure marked the rise of regional political dominance and administrative continuity. Notably, he was the first Chief Minister of Odisha not associated with the Indian National Congress to hold the office for such an extended period.

The current Chief Minister of Odisha, since 12 June 2024, is Mohan Charan Majhi of the Bharatiya Janata Party. His appointment marks a significant political shift in the state, ending over two decades of Biju Janata Dal leadership.

Chief Minister of Orissa (1947 Onwards)

The state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) has witnessed diverse political leadership since independence, reflecting shifts in regional priorities, party dominance, and governance styles. From the early years of Congress leadership to regional party consolidation and recent political transitions, the Chief Ministers of Odisha have played a crucial role in shaping the state’s social, economic, and administrative development.

The following list presents the chronological record of Odisha’s Chief Ministers from 1947 onwards, along with their constituencies, tenure, and political affiliations.