Mohan Majhi, Firebrand Tribal Leader, Who Once Threw Dal At Speaker

New Delhi: BJP on Tuesday made a historic decision by selecting firebrand tribal leader Mohan Charan Majhi as party's first Chief Minister in Odisha. Known for his fervent advocacy for tribal rights, Majhi has left an indelible mark with his remarkable performance in the Odisha Assembly. Having represented the Keonjhar Assembly constituency since 2019, Majhi secured a thumping victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, securing victory with an impressive margin of 11,000 votes. Stepping into the shoes of Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik, who held the position for an unprecedented 24 years, Majhi faces the formidable task of continuing the legacy while charting a new course for Odisha's future.  

Who Is Mohan Majhi?

Mohan Majhi, widely regarded as a figure of integrity within the BJP ranks, is esteemed for his loyalty and exceptional organizational skills. With deep-rooted connections to the RSS, Majhi has dedicatedly served in various capacities within the BJP's Odisha state unit.

Majhi has held important positions such as the Chief Whip of the BJP Legislative Party, showcasing his adeptness in navigating the party's electoral strategies. His political journey, spanning over two decades, reflects a profound commitment to grassroots engagement and effective governance.

A four-time MLA, Majhi's resonance with the tribal communities has propelled his popularity, positioning him as a formidable leader in the region. His wealth of experience and nuanced understanding of governance intricacies underscores his suitability for the role of Chief Minister.

When Mohan Majhi Threw Dal At Speaker  

In 2023, Mohan Charan Majhi was suspended from the Assembly following an incident where he allegedly threw non-boiled whole dal at the Speaker's podium. Majhi, along with his MLA colleague Mukesh Mahaling, denied the accusations, asserting that they had merely presented the dal to the Speaker rather than throwing it.

This unusual form of protest by Majhi and Mahaling was intended to draw attention to an alleged Rs 700-crore scam in the procurement of pulses for the mid-day meal scheme.