Odisha cabinet expansion on cards, hints re-elected state BJP chief Manmohan Samal

Newly re-elected BJP Odisha President Manmohan Samal on Wednesday hinted that a cabinet expansion in Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s government is on the cards and will take place very soon.

While addressing party functionaries and media after re-assuming charge, Samal emphasised that the BJP will soon announce its new organisational team in Odisha. He said this team will work in coordination with the government to deepen the party’s outreach and operational strength.

Samal, who took charge as the BJP state chief for an unprecedented fourth time, stated that six ministerial berths are currently vacant in the Odisha cabinet and assured they will be filled swiftly.

He further added that work is underway to identify capable individuals for board and corporation roles to strengthen the government’s administrative delivery.

“The Odisha government will work very hard to provide the maximum contributions to the nation, especially by the time it completes 100 years of Independence in 2047. In the state, vacant posts will be filled soon and six ministerial berths will also be filled,” stated Manmohan Samal while also asserting his full confidence in the BJP securing a clear mandate in the upcoming Odisha panchayat elections.

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Fourth term at the helm amid crucial challenges

Manmohan Samal's return as state BJP chief marks his fourth stint in the role, having previously led the party during the coalition era with the BJD (1999–2004), and again from 2023.

Further, his unopposed re-election highlights widespread support within the party as it prepares for major organisational and electoral milestones.

With the BJP forming a majority government in Odisha for the first time after the 2024 assembly elections, Samal now faces a dual responsibility of stabilising the governance model and simultaneously energising the grassroots party structure ahead of the upcoming panchayat polls.