Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to witness a much-anticipated Cabinet expansion “very soon,” confirmed BJP state president Manmohan Samal on Wednesday, signalling a significant move by the ruling party to strengthen governance and address pending political appointments.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the Shree Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, a day after formally taking charge as BJP’s state unit president for the fourth time, Samal said, “Six minister posts are lying vacant and will be surely filled up. Discussions with central leaders have already been held regarding the expansion of the Cabinet.”
Currently, Odisha’s Council of Ministers comprises 16 members, including the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers, eight Cabinet Ministers, and five Ministers of State. The state can have up to 22 ministers, which means six positions remain unfilled even though the BJP government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been in power for over a year since its emphatic 2024 election win.
The Cabinet reshuffle, according to party insiders, is expected to reflect a balance of regional representation, caste diversity, and administrative experience. It may also result in performance-based exits, with speculation rife that some existing Ministers could be dropped for underperformance or public controversies over the past nine months.
Samal also hinted at a broader political reshuffle, stating that appointments to various boards and corporations under the state government will also be made soon. “Two rounds of meetings have already been held, and a list has been prepared. Appointments will follow further deliberations,” he added.
The Cabinet expansion is also seen as a step to accommodate key leaders who played pivotal roles in the BJP’s campaign but have yet to be assigned roles in governance. With growing demands from various districts and pressure for wider outreach, the reshuffle is expected to inject fresh energy into the administration.
As the party’s state president for a record fourth term, Manmohan Samal is playing a key role in coordinating between the party and the government. His leadership is being seen as critical in maintaining internal unity and steering the BJP’s grassroots agenda.
