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Odisha Politics and Political History

Odisha Current CM: Mohan Charan Majhi (BJP)

cm-13-1024x683 Odisha Politics and Political History

Leader of Opposition: Naveen Patnaik(BJD)

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Indian National Congress (INC): Sarat Pattanayak

sarat Odisha Politics and Political History

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM): Janardan Pati

jana Odisha Politics and Political History

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): Nishikanta Mohapatra

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Present:

Before the 2024 elections, the BJD held the largest number of seats in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. BJD leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik served as the 14th Chief Minister of Odisha from March 5, 2000, to June 5, 2024. The BJP, which defeated the BJD in the 2024 elections, is now represented in the assembly along with the Congress Party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Mohan Charan Majhi of the BJP has been the Chief Minister of Odisha since June 11, 2024. The next assembly election is scheduled for 2029.

Odisha is represented by 21 members in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, elected from geographic constituencies. The state is represented by 10 members in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, who are elected by the legislative assembly.

History:

Odisha, originally part of the Bengal Presidency during the British Raj, became a separate province in 1936, carved out of Bihar and Orissa Province along with parts of the Vizagapatam and Ganjam Hill Tracts Agencies. The Government of India Act 1935 led to the first assembly elections in 1937, where the Indian National Congress won a majority but initially declined to form a government. Krushna Chandra Gajapati led a minority government until Congress took over under Bishwanath Das in July 1937. In 1939, Das resigned in protest against the Governor-General’s unilateral declaration of war on Germany, leading to governor’s rule until 1941 when Gajapati returned as premier.

Post-independence, Harekrushna Mahatab became Odisha’s first Chief Minister, replacing the prime ministerial role. The first elections under India’s new constitution in 1951-52 resulted in a Congress-led coalition government under Nabakrushna Choudhury. Odisha experienced significant political instability in the 20th century, with frequent changes in Chief Ministers. Stability was restored under Naveen Patnaik, who served as Chief Minister for 25 years, making him the longest-serving leader in Odisha’s history.

Lok Sabha:

  • 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1957: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1962: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1967: Swatantra Party
  • 1971: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1977: Janata Party
  • 1980: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1984: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1989: Janata Dal
  • 1991: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1996: Janata Dal
  • 1998: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 1999: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2004: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2009: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2014: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2019: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

Rajya Sabha:

  • 1952: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1958: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1964: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1970: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1976: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1982: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1988: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 1994: Indian National Congress (INC)
  • 2000: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2006: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2012: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
  • 2018: Biju Janata Dal (BJD)

Political Parties:

Also:

Odisha’s political landscape has evolved significantly over the years. During the British Raj, the region was part of the Bengal Presidency until 1912 when it was merged into the Bihar and Orissa Province. In 1936, Odisha became a separate province carved out from the Odia-speaking areas of Bihar and Orissa Province, along with parts of the Vizagapatam and Ganjam Hill Tracts Agencies. Post-independence, the state transitioned from a prime ministerial system to a chief ministerial system, with Harekrushna Mahatab serving as Odisha’s first Chief Minister. The state experienced significant political instability throughout the 20th century, marked by frequent changes in leadership.

The political scene in Odisha is primarily dominated by regional and national parties. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), founded in 1997 by Naveen Patnaik, has been a major force in state politics, with Patnaik serving as Chief Minister from March 5, 2000, to June 5, 2024. The BJD‘s influence in Odisha has been significant, contributing to its political stability over the years. However, in the 2024 elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious, signaling a shift in the state’s political dynamics. The BJP‘s rise marks a notable change in Odisha’s political landscape, reflecting the evolving preferences of the electorate.

Other political parties such as the Indian National Congress (INC) and smaller regional parties also play a role in Odisha’s politics, contributing to a diverse and dynamic political environment.