With Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders remaining tight-lipped amidst speculation over who is going to be the next Chief Minister of Odisha, the swearing-in ceremony in Bhubaneswar has been rescheduled from June 10 to June 12.
The BJP is set to form its first solo government in Odisha, ending the 24-year-long winning streak enjoyed by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in the State. With a minimum of 74 seats required to form government in Odisha, the saffron party has won 78 out of the total 147 Assembly seats.
All preparations had been completed for the swearing-in ceremony at Janata Maidan here for the event on June 10. During his election campaign, Mr. Modi had announced the oath-taking function would be organised in Bhubaneswar on June 10.
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Vijaypal Singh Tomar, Odisha BJP’s election in-charge, announced the change in date.
According to the State BJP, the PM will hold a roadshow in Bhubaneswar on the evening of June 12 to acknowledge people’s support to his party. Several Union Ministers are also scheduled to be present at the oath-taking ceremony.
Confusion continues to prevail over the chief ministerial candidate. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, once the leading contender for the role, is no longer in the race following his induction into the Union Cabinet.
Some members of the State BJP suggest that a recently elected Member of Parliament might be appointed to head the government. However, the BJP faces a complex challenge. Despite its recent electoral success, it still falls 32 seats short of a majority in the Lok Sabha. This shortfall makes it difficult for the party to assign one of its MPs for the post.
Odisha BJP president Manmohan Samal is reportedly being considered for the CM’s post. However, his electoral defeat from the Chandbali Assembly constituency goes against him.
Other potential candidates include former State unit presidents K. V. Singh Deo and Suresh Pujari. MLA-elects Mohan Majhi and Rabi Naik are also seen as experienced contenders. The party might place its trust in these seasoned tribal leaders.
