Bhubaneswar, May 22, 2023 – In a significant development for the Odisha government, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik carried out a cabinet reshuffle today, inducting three new ministers into his council. Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sudam Marndi, and Sarada Nayak were sworn in as ministers during a solemn ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhawan, administered by Governor Ganeshi Lal.
The reshuffle came in the wake of the recent resignations of the Assembly speaker and two state ministers, which had fueled speculation about an imminent cabinet rejig. Today’s oath-taking ceremony filled the three vacancies in the state Cabinet, and marks Patnaik’s second cabinet reshuffle during his fifth term as Chief Minister.
Bikram Keshari Arukha, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by Naveen Patnaik, was the first minister to take the oath of office and secrecy. Arukha had resigned from the speaker post, citing personal reasons, which triggered a chain reaction leading to the subsequent resignations of Srikanta Sahu and Samir Ranjan Dash, both state ministers.
The Odisha Council of Ministers, which can accommodate up to 22 ministers, including the Chief Minister, currently comprises 19 ministers. The inclusion of Bikram Keshari Arukha, Sudam Marndi, and Sarada Nayak will bolster the state government’s administrative machinery.
The Chief Minister’s decision to reshuffle his cabinet comes at a crucial time, as Odisha grapples with various challenges and strives for effective governance. With the new ministers on board, CM Patnaik aims to inject fresh energy into his team and ensure better service delivery to the people of Odisha.
The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, was attended by several dignitaries, party members, and well-wishers. The new ministers expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for placing their trust in them and pledged to work diligently for the welfare and progress of the state.
The vacant position of the Assembly speaker now needs to be filled, and several frontrunners have emerged for the role. Prafulla Samal, Debi Prasad Mishra, Amar Prasad Satpathy, and Badri Narayan Patra are among the top contenders vying for this influential position.
Naveen Patnaik, who has been leading the state of Odisha since 2000, has emerged as one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India. His party, the BJD, has garnered praise for maintaining a neutral stance on contentious issues involving clashes between the ruling BJP and the Opposition.
With the fresh additions to the state Cabinet, the government of Odisha anticipates enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in addressing the needs and aspirations of its citizens. The new ministers are expected to contribute their expertise and work in tandem with the Chief Minister and fellow cabinet colleagues to propel Odisha towards further progress and development.
