In a significant political event, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was the focal point at the swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government in Odisha, held here on Wednesday.

Patnaik, who has been a towering figure in Odisha’s political landscape for over two decades, shared the stage with prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The former chief minister was seen engaged in a discussion with PM Modi after the ceremony, highlighting his continued influence and relevance in the state’s politics.

The ceremony marked a historic moment for the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha as four-time MLA and tribal leader from Keonjhar district, Mohan Charan Majhi, was sworn in as the first BJP Chief Minister of the state. The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including several Union ministers and chief ministers from various states, reflecting the significance of this political milestone for the BJP.

Mohan Charan Majhi’s ascension to the chief ministerial post is seen as a pivotal development, especially for the tribal communities in Odisha. His leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on the welfare and development of these regions.

The presence of Naveen Patnaik at the event added a layer of intrigue, given his long-standing leadership and the BJD’s dominant position in Odisha politics. His interaction with Prime Minister Modi post-ceremony sparked discussions among political observers about potential future collaborations or strategic alignments between the BJD and the BJP.

As the new BJP government takes charge, all eyes will be on their governance strategies and how they plan to address the diverse challenges and opportunities in Odisha.