In a significant move fulfilling a key promise from their election manifesto, the newly inaugurated BJP government in Odisha, led by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has swung open all four gates of the revered Puri Jagannath Temple. This decision, aimed at easing the pilgrimage experience for devotees, comes shortly after the swearing-in ceremony held on June 12th, marking the BJP’s historic ascent to power in the state.
The installation of Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time MLA and prominent tribal leader, as Odisha’s first BJP Chief Minister, marked the culmination of the party’s triumph in the 2024 Assembly Elections. The oath-taking ceremony, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, and Chief Ministers, was a momentous occasion held at Bhubaneswar’s Janata Maidan.
Joining Chief Minister Majhi in steering the state’s governance are Deputy Chief Ministers K.V. Singh Deo, a seasoned BJP leader and Patnagarh MLA, and Pravati Parida, making her debut from the Nimapara Assembly segment. With Governor Rabghubar Das administering the oath of secrecy and office to the newly appointed leaders, the BJP’s administration is set to chart a new course for Odisha’s development and prosperity.
The BJP’s resounding victory in the Assembly polls, securing a comfortable majority with 78 seats out of the 147-member Assembly, underscores the electorate’s endorsement of their vision and leadership. Notably, the party’s campaign, spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi, refrained from nominating a chief ministerial candidate, focusing instead on the collective strength and potential of the party’s leadership.
The decision to open all four gates of the Puri Jagannath Temple reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Odisha. As the state embarks on a new era under BJP governance, this gesture symbolizes a step towards inclusive governance and the fulfillment of electoral promises, resonating with the hopes and faith of millions of devotees across the nation.
