By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: There is strong speculation and intense buzz around a possible cabinet expansion and/or reshuffle in the Mohan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha.
The government, sworn in on June 12, 2024, is approaching its second anniversary (June 12, 2026). This timing, combined with recent developments, makes a move highly plausible in the coming weeks or months.
Initial setup (June 2024): CM Mohan Charan Majhi + 2 Deputy CMs (Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida) + 8 Cabinet Ministers + 5 Ministers of State (Independent Charge) = 16 members total.
Constitutional limit: Up to 15% of the 147-member Assembly, i.e., maximum 22 Ministers (including CM). This leaves 6 vacant berths.
Key portfolios held by CM Majhi (as of initial allocation): Home, Finance, General Administration, Water Resources, Information & Public Relations, and others not allocated.
Several districts and social groups remain underrepresented, which is a key driver for expansion. Examples of districts with zero or low representation include Bargarh, Balasore, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
CM Majhi’s Delhi visit (late May 2026): He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP National President Nitin Nabin. A dozen BJP MLAs and state BJP president Manmohan Samal were also in Delhi, signaling high-level consultations.
Statements from senior Ministers: Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari indicated that discussions on expansion and appointments have been ongoing and could accelerate. Other ministers have hinted at changes.
Performance review: Growing criticism of some ministers’ performance, multiple portfolios held by individuals, and the need to “reinvigorate governance.”
Political timing: Ahead of the third year in office, local body elections (panchayat bypolls mentioned), and long-term preparation for 2029 Assembly polls.
Possible Objectives of Expansion/Reshuffle
Fill vacancies and improve governance — Address overload on current ministers handling multiple departments.
Regional and social balancing — Accommodate leaders from underrepresented districts and communities (tribal, OBC, etc.) to broaden the base. Special focus speculated on areas like Kendrapada, Bargarh, Jajpur, Ganjam, Sambalpur, Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Mayurbhanj.
Induct new faces / drop underperformers — Reward loyal or high-performing MLAs left out in 2024; possible dropping or demotion of low-performers. Fresh faces could bring new energy.
Portfolio restructuring — Better alignment of departments for administrative efficiency (e.g., combining or separating key sectors like infrastructure, rural development, or industry).
Organizational and central alignment — Signals from Delhi suggest the central BJP leadership wants a stronger, more balanced team as the government matures.
Aspirants: First-time MLAs, senior party leaders who missed out initially, and those from underrepresented regions are actively lobbying. Performance, loyalty, caste equations, and organizational strength will matter.
Risks for current ministers: Those facing public or internal criticism over departmental performance are under pressure.
BJP internal equations: Balancing between different factions, old vs. new leaders, and coordination with central leadership (Modi, Shah, Nabin) will be crucial.
High likelihood of some action soon — possibly before or shortly after the second anniversary. It could be a combined expansion + reshuffle rather than just one or the other. CM Majhi has previously said expansion would happen “whenever necessary” for efficient governance.
However, nothing is confirmed, and decisions ultimately rest with the CM in consultation with the central leadership. Past patterns in BJP governments show such exercises are often calibrated carefully to avoid internal revolt.
BJP’s first government in Odisha after defeating a long-standing BJD regime.Focus on delivery in key areas like infrastructure, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment, and industry (e.g., recent JSW steel plant developments). A successful reshuffle could strengthen the government’s image midway through its term; poor handling could create internal fissures.
In summary, the stars are aligned for a cabinet expansion (filling some or all 6 vacancies) accompanied by a reshuffle. It will likely aim at better regional representation, rewarding performers, and injecting fresh energy into governance.. Political observers expect this to be a significant milestone for the Majhi government as it enters its third year.
