List of Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024

Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, has a storied political history with several notable Chief Ministers since its first government in 1946. This article offers a comprehensive look at the Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024, highlighting their tenures and the political transformations they navigated. Under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, Odisha has seen significant progress in various areas including infrastructure, poverty reduction, and disaster management.

Mohan Charan Majhi Odisha New CM Oath Taking Ceremony

The BJP has named Mohan Charan Majhi as the new Chief Minister of Odisha. A seasoned politician and a prominent tribal leader, Majhi has been elected as the leader of the Odisha BJP Legislature Party. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for June 12 at 5 pm. Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time MLA, will be the next Chief Minister of Odisha. His leadership was confirmed in a legislative meeting attended by senior BJP leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Chief Ministers of Odisha

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, came into existence as a separate province on April 1, 1936. The initial years saw the province under the rule of the King of Paralakhemundi, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo. However, with the advent of democratic principles, the leadership transitioned to elected representatives.

The transition from monarchy to democracy marked a significant shift in Odisha’s political dynamics. Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, assumed office as the first Chief Minister of Odisha in 1946, post-independence.

List of Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1950 to 2024

Since independence, Odisha has witnessed the leadership of several notable individuals who have contributed to its growth and development. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Harekrushna Mahatab

• Tenure: April 23, 1946 – May 12, 1950; October 19, 1956 – May 22, 1959
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)
• Notable Achievements: First Chief Minister of Odisha, instrumental in the merger of princely states with Odisha.

2. Nabakrushna Choudhury

• Tenure: May 12, 1950 – February 20, 1952; February 20, 1952 – October 19, 1956
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)
• Notable Achievements: His tenure marked significant administrative developments.

3. President’s Rule

• Period: February 25, 1961 – June 23, 1961
• Reason: Administrative reasons

4. Biju Patnaik

• Tenure: June 23, 1961 – October 2, 1963
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)
• Notable Achievements: Known for visionary leadership and contributions to the state’s development.

5. Biren Mitra

• Tenure: October 2, 1963 – February 21, 1965
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

6. Sadashiva Tripathy

• Tenure: February 21, 1965 – March 8, 1967
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

7. Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo

• Tenure: March 8, 1967 – January 9, 1971
• Party: Swatantra Party

8. President’s Rule

• Period: January 11, 1971 – April 3, 1971
• Reason: Administrative reasons

9. Biswanath Das

• Tenure: April 3, 1971 – June 14, 1972
• Party: Independent

10. Nandini Satpathy

• Tenure: June 14, 1972 – March 3, 1973; March 6, 1974 – December 16, 1976
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)
• Notable Achievements: First female Chief Minister of Odisha, known for her work in women’s empowerment and rural development.

11. President’s Rule

• Period: March 3, 1973 – March 6, 1974; December 16, 1976 – December 29, 1976
• Reason: Administrative reasons

12. Binayak Acharya

• Tenure: December 29, 1976 – April 30, 1977
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

13. President’s Rule

• Period: April 30, 1977 – June 26, 1977
• Reason: Administrative reasons

14. Nilamani Routray

• Tenure: June 26, 1977 – February 17, 1980
• Party: Janata Party

15. President’s Rule

• Period: February 17, 1980 – June 9, 1980
• Reason: Administrative reasons

16. Janaki Ballabh Patnaik

• Tenure: June 9, 1980 – March 10, 1985; March 10, 1985 – December 7, 1989
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)
• Notable Achievements: Prominent leader in the state’s political and developmental narrative.

17. Hemananda Biswal

• Tenure: December 7, 1989 – March 5, 1990
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

18. Biju Patnaik

• Tenure: March 5, 1990 – March 15, 1995
• Party: Janata Dal
• Notable Achievements: Second term marked by further contributions to Odisha’s development.

19. Janaki Ballabh Patnaik

• Tenure: March 15, 1995 – February 17, 1999
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

20. Giridhar Gamang

• Tenure: February 17, 1999 – December 6, 1999
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

21. Hemananda Biswal

• Tenure: December 6, 1999 – March 5, 2000
• Party: Indian National Congress (INC)

22. Naveen Patnaik

• Tenure: March 5, 2000 – Present
• Party: Biju Janata Dal
• Notable Achievements: Longest-serving Chief Minister in Odisha’s history, known for his focus on infrastructure, social welfare, and disaster management.

Chief Ministers of Odisha Legacy

The Chief Ministers of Odisha have left indelible marks on the9 state’s development trajectory. From infrastructure projects to social welfare schemes, each leader has contributed to Odisha’s progress in their unique way. Initiatives like Mission Shakti, which empowers women through self-help groups, and KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation), aimed at supporting farmers, reflect the commitment of Odisha’s leadership to inclusive growth.

Despite significant progress, Odisha faces several challenges, including poverty, healthcare access, and natural disasters. However, with visionary leadership and community engagement, the state continues to explore opportunities for sustainable development and prosperity.

Sharing is caring!