On Tuesday, the mineral-rich state of Odisha made history by appointing its first female Deputy Chief Minister, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Pravati Parida. This significant event marks a turning point in Odisha’s political landscape, which has been under the leadership of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik for the past 24 years. For the first time, the BJP will form a government in Odisha, led by Mohan Charan Majhi, an indigenous community leader.
The emergence of a BJP-led government signifies a notable shift in the state’s political dynamics, highlighting the increasing influence of the BJP in regions traditionally dominated by other parties. Odisha will witness its first Chief Minister from the BJP, while Pravati Parida will break new ground as the state’s first female Deputy Chief Minister, setting a precedent for future political developments.
Election Victories and Leadership Announcements
The path to this historic appointment was paved by significant electoral victories and strategic leadership decisions. Pravati Parida secured her position in the Nimapara constituency with a notable margin, winning by 4,588 votes against BJD leader Dilip Kumar Nayak. This victory underscores her strong local support and the effective campaign strategies employed by the BJP. KV Singh Deo also clinched a victory in Patnagarh, defeating BJD’s Saroj Kumar Meher by 1,357 votes, thus securing the other Deputy CM position.
The announcements of these victories were made by Rajnath Singh, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his delight and confidence in the new leadership. Singh highlighted Mohan Charan Majhi’s unanimous election as the leader of the Odisha BJP Legislature Party, emphasizing his dynamic and youthful energy. He praised Majhi as a dedicated party worker who is well-positioned to lead Odisha toward progress and prosperity.
Swearing-In Ceremony Details
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected officials is scheduled for June 12 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar, a location befitting the significance of this event. This ceremony will not only be a formal transition of power but also a symbolic moment in Odisha’s political history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, underscoring the national importance of this event.
The presence of the Prime Minister highlights the BJP’s commitment to its new leadership in Odisha and signifies strong support from the central government. During the ceremony, Mohan Charan Majhi will take the oath as Chief Minister, with KV Singh Deo and Pravati Parida being sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. This event will be a public affirmation of the new government’s commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of Odisha’s citizens, and it will set the tone for their forthcoming tenure.
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Pravati Parida’s Background and Political Journey
Pravati Parida’s journey to this historic position has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to public service. A resident of Nimapara, Parida is a lawyer by profession. She completed her LLB at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, where she laid the foundation for her legal career. After enrolling as an advocate in the Odisha High Court, Parida practiced law for many years, gaining extensive experience and a reputation for her legal acumen.
Her transition into politics was driven by a desire to serve her community more directly. Joining the BJP, she initially served as the women’s wing president in Odisha, where she demonstrated strong leadership and advocacy for women’s issues.
Parida is married to Shyam Sundar Nayak, a former government employee, whose support has been integral to her political journey. This election marked her fourth attempt at securing the Nimapara seat. In previous elections, Parida contested in 2009, 2014, and 2019 but faced defeats, including a narrow loss to BJD’s Samir Ranjan Dash in the last two elections.
Despite these setbacks, her perseverance paid off in the 2024 elections, where she finally emerged victorious. Her journey reflects both personal determination and the broader shifts within Odisha’s political landscape, as the BJP gains ground and diverse voices like Parida’s come to the forefront.
Pravati Parida’s victory and subsequent appointment as Deputy Chief Minister not only represent a personal triumph but also symbolize the increasing representation and empowerment of women in Indian politics. Her success story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that resilience and dedication can lead to significant achievements, even in the face of repeated challenges. As she takes on her new role, Pravati Parida is poised to make substantial contributions to the governance of Odisha, advocating for progressive policies and inclusive development.
