Mohan Charan Majhi: The 15th Chief Minister of Odisha:
Early Life and Education:
Mohan Charan Majhi (born January 6, 1972) is an influential Indian politician and the 15th Chief Minister of Odisha. Born in Raikala village of Keonjhar district, Majhi’s early life was rooted in humble beginnings. His father, Gunaram Majhi, worked as a security guard, and his family belongs to the Santal tribal community.
Majhi completed his schooling at Jhumpura High School in 1987 and pursued higher secondary education at Anadapur College, graduating in 1990. He then obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chandra Sekhar College, Champua, followed by an LLB from Dhenkanal Law College. Before embarking on his political journey, he worked as a teacher (Guruji) at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Jhumpura, a part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) network of schools.
Early Political Career:
Majhi’s political career began in 1997 when he served as the Sarpanch of Raikala Panchayat. His leadership potential was soon recognized, and he became the secretary of the tribal wing of the state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In 2000, Majhi was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Keonjhar constituency, marking the beginning of his legislative career. He was re-elected in 2004 and served as the deputy chief whip of the government from 2005 to 2009.
Challenges and Comeback:
Despite facing setbacks in the 2009 and 2014 assembly elections, where he lost his seat, Majhi’s resilience saw him return to the Odisha Legislative Assembly in 2019. During this period, the BJP emerged as the principal opposition party, and Majhi was appointed the party’s chief whip. His role expanded as he served on the standing committee for scheduled castes and tribes and chaired the Public Accounts Committee from 2022 to 2024.
Assassination Attempt and Controversies:
Majhi’s political journey has not been without its challenges. On October 10, 2021, two crude bombs were hurled at his car near Mandua in Kendujhar district. Although the attack caused minor damage to his vehicle, Majhi escaped uninjured. In September 2023, he faced suspension from the Odisha assembly by then-Speaker Pramila Mallik for throwing dal on her podium while protesting against an alleged scam in the procurement of pulses by the government.
Rise to Chief Minister:
In the 2024 assembly elections, Majhi won the Keonjhar seat for the fourth time. With the BJP securing a majority by winning 79 of the 147 seats in the Odisha assembly, Majhi was announced as the next Chief Minister of Odisha on June 11, 2024. He was sworn in on June 12, 2024, succeeding Naveen Patnaik, who had held the position for 24 years since March 2000. Majhi’s ascension to Chief Minister marked a historic moment as he became the first person from the Santal tribe and the third individual of tribal origin to hold this prestigious office, following Hemananda Biswal and Giridhar Gamang.
Electoral Success:
Majhi’s electoral journey reflects his enduring popularity and commitment to his constituents. His electoral statistics are as follows:
- 2000: Keonjhar – 51,449 votes (59.08%) – Won
- 2004: Keonjhar – 46,146 votes (40.14%) – Won
- 2009: Keonjhar – 29,202 votes (24.29%) – Lost
- 2014: Keonjhar – 47,283 votes (30.31%) – Lost
- 2019: Keonjhar – 72,760 votes (42.10%) – Won
- 2024: Keonjhar – 87,815 votes (47.05%) – Won
Personal Life:
Mohan Charan Majhi is married to Priyanka Marandi. His journey from a village teacher to the Chief Minister of Odisha is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and commitment to public service. His leadership is expected to bring new perspectives and inclusive development to the state of Odisha.