Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met Governor Haribabu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Monday amid speculation over a Ministry expansion in the state anytime soon.
The meeting, described by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) as a courtesy call, lasted quite some time. There was no information about what transpired between the two when the Chief Minister called on the Governor.
However, the meeting was considered immensely significant in political circles as speculations are rife that CM Mohan Majhi is set to undertake a reshuffle of his Ministry very soon.
Soon after taking charge as Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Odisha earlier this month, party president Manmohan Samal had stated that the government is all set to witness a cabinet expansion soon.
Samal, who became BJP’s Odisha unit president for the fourth time, had told reporters that discussions with the central leaders have already been held regarding the expansion of the Mohan Majhi-led Cabinet.
Emphasising that Cabinet expansion will take place very soon, the veteran leader said that BJP is committed to strengthening governance and fulfilling the promises to the people of the state.
Apart from Cabinet expansion, steps will also be taken for appointment of chairpersons of different boards and corporations run by state government very soon, Samal said.
Two rounds of meetings have already been held and a list has been prepared, he said, adding that appointment to these positions will be made following further deliberations.
Speculations about ministry expansion have been going on in political circles and among party workers as the BJP formed the government in the state on its own more than a year ago after its landslide victory in the 2024 elections,
Even though BJP has been in power for over a year in the state, six ministerial posts are still lying vacant. The state can have a maximum of 22 ministers including the Chief Minister. However, there are a total of 16 ministers including the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers, eight Cabinet Ministers and five Ministers of State at present.
There has been talk that some of the Ministers may lose Ministerial positions based on their performance. It is being speculated that Ministers who have failed to perform well in the last nine months, and those who have been making controversial statements may be dropped.
The cabinet expansion likely to ensure a balance in regional representation, caste diversity, and administrative experience. With several key portfolios still vacant and demands rising from various districts, the BJP leadership is expected to induct new faces to ensure smoother governance and broader outreach.
