Cabinet expansion buzz intensifies: Odisha CM seeks performance reports from ministers

The discussion around the expansion of the Odisha cabinet has gained fresh momentum. Upon returning from Delhi, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has asked his ministers to submit detailed performance reports.

The Chief Minister has directed all ministers to promptly furnish updates on their district visits, local-level meetings and programmes, and social media activity. Additionally, ministers have been instructed to submit inspection reports of government project implementations and field visits.

Each minister is also expected to provide a roadmap for their respective departments for the current financial year.

This directive comes after the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Delhi, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior central leaders. Following his return, the request for performance reports is being seen as a key step towards an impending cabinet reshuffle or expansion.

Senior MLAs such as Jayanarayan Mishra, Babu Singh, Irasis Acharya, Amar Nayak, Ashrit Pattanayak, Sanatan Bijuli, Pratap Nayak, Chhabi Malik, and Durga Prasan Nayak are considered to be strong contenders. There is also talk that districts currently unrepresented in the cabinet, like Kandhamal and Koraput, may find representation this time.

Additionally, there are growing discussions about a possible reshuffling of existing ministerial portfolios, which has added to the buzz within political corridors.

Moreover, long-vacant posts such as chairpersons of various boards and corporations—left unfilled for over a year—are expected to be filled soon.