Interview Times 
FEATURE: Mohan Charan Majhi, Odisha’s newly elected Chief Minister, is more than just a leader—he’s a true “People’s CM.” With a deep understanding of the lives and challenges of Odisha’s citizens, Majhi embodies a leader who knows the grassroots realities of his state. In a short time, he has already brought significant change, addressing the real needs of his people and infusing new hope across communities. His journey from a humble village sarpanch to the state’s highest office shows his commitment to lifting Odisha from the ground up, making him a transformative force for progress and unity in the state.
Early Life and Roots in the Tribal Heartland
Born on January 6, 1972, in Raikala village of Keonjhar district, Majhi comes from the Santal tribal community, one of Odisha’s largest Indigenous groups. His father, Gunaram Majhi, served as a peon at a local government school, instilling in Mohan a deep respect for education, resilience, and dedication to public service. Despite his humble beginnings, Majhi’s thirst for knowledge led him through Jhumpura High School and Anadapur College, where he completed his higher secondary education. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree from Chandra Sekhar College in Champua and an LLB from Dhenkanal Law College, achievements he pursued while navigating the many challenges of rural life.
The Path to Politics
Majhi’s political journey began in the late 1990s when he was elected as the Sarpanch of Raikala Panchayat from 1997 to 2000. This role, though modest, became his proving ground, where he demonstrated his dedication to grassroots development and his ability to listen and respond to community needs. His organizational skills and sincere commitment to public service quickly gained him recognition, leading him to serve as the Secretary of the BJP’s State Tribal Wing in Odisha.
His first significant political milestone came in 2000, when he was elected as the MLA from Keonjhar, a constituency he has represented for four terms since then. He made history as the first individual from the Santal tribal community to become the Chief Minister of Odisha—a powerful testament to his dedication and resilience.
A Champion for Tribal Communities and Social Equality
Throughout his career, Majhi has focused on uplifting Odisha’s tribal communities and advocating for their rights. As a former teacher at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Jhumpura, he understood the transformative power of education and has consistently championed educational access and quality for marginalized groups. His efforts have always extended beyond the political sphere; he has been involved with several cultural and social initiatives, including the State Kayaking and Canoeing Association and the District Taekwondo Association in Keonjhar.
Political Milestones and Public Service
Majhi’s contributions to Odisha’s legislative assembly have been diverse. He has served as the Deputy Chief Whip during the BJP-BJD coalition government, Chief Whip of the BJP in the Odisha assembly, and a member of the Standing Committee on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Odisha Reservation of Vacancies (ORV) Act. These roles have seen him advocate for policies and actions that bridge economic, social, and cultural divides across Odisha.
His election to the Chief Minister’s office followed a notable victory in the 2024 elections, where he defeated BJD’s Mina Majhi by over 11,000 votes. With 74 of the 147 assembly seats secured by the BJP, Majhi’s leadership was seen as the ideal choice to carry forward the party’s vision of development, transparency, and inclusion for Odisha.
Vision for Odisha’s Future
Now as the 15th Chief Minister of Odisha, Majhi’s administration promises to address the core issues facing the state: economic upliftment, infrastructure development, and equitable access to resources for all communities. His appointment of Prabhati Parida and KV Sing Deo as Deputy Chief Ministers demonstrates his commitment to a collaborative and inclusive governance model.
Majhi’s connection to his roots is evident in his approach. His passion for Odisha’s traditional sports, local cultural festivals, and community-driven initiatives reflects a commitment to preserving the state’s rich heritage while pushing for sustainable modernization. His favorite pastime—interacting with people and solving their problems—gives Odisha’s citizens a relatable, grounded leader who genuinely seeks to bring positive change to their lives.
The Legacy of a Leader
From a humble school teacher to Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi’s journey serves as an inspiration, especially to Odisha’s youth and tribal communities. His life exemplifies the potential for change that lies within even the most challenging circumstances. Majhi’s story underscores the transformative power of public service and dedication—a legacy that has the potential to inspire generations to come.
With Mohan Charan Majhi at the helm, Odisha stands at the cusp of a new chapter. His journey from Raikala village to the Chief Minister’s office not only symbolizes a personal achievement but also the hopes of an entire community that has long been underrepresented. For Odisha, Majhi’s leadership represents a future rooted in both tradition and progress—a future that promises prosperity, equity, and empowerment for all.
