Why Odisha Searching For House For Its New Chief Minister

Bhubaneshwar: The BJP's historic triumph in the Odisha Assembly Election 2024 ended Naveen Patnaik's 24-year rule in the state. With the search already on for the chief minister's face, authorities have begun scouting to identify suitable residences for the new leader. 

The BJP wrested power from the ruling BJD by winning 78 seats in the 147-member Assembly, while the BJD scored 51, INC 14 and Left Front managed to win just one seat.  

During Patnaik's 24-year tenure as the Chief Minister of the Odisha government, he functioned from Naveen Niwasm, his personal home, which effectively operated as the Chief Minister's residence since he assumed the top office.

Instead of moving to a government-allocated house, Patnaik worked from his own residence after being sworn in as Chief Minister in 2000. As there was no need for the CM residence, the Odisha government never allocated a CM house. 

With the BJP's impending announcement of a new Chief Minister, the state administration has intensified its efforts to find out a suitable official residence for the new leader. 

A senior government official claimed that several vacant quarters, including the current Chief Minister's Grievance Cell, have been shortlisted for consideration. The transition, however, will not be immediate as it will undergo necessary renovations and installation of facilities as per protocol. 

In the meanwhile, the state administration has planned to accommodate the new Chief Minister in a suite in the State Guest House.