Chief Ministers of Odisha, Check List from 1947 To 2024

Odisha, a state on India’s eastern coast, has had several Chief Ministers since 1936. Odisha has a rich political history shaped by its various Chief Ministers since its first government in 1946. This article offers a detailed overview of the Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024, highlighting their tenures and the political landscape they navigated. Under Naveen’s leadership, Odisha has made great progress in areas like infrastructure, poverty reduction, and disaster management.

Chief Ministers of Odisha

• Harekrushna Mahatab: Served as the first Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. Played a pivotal role in the merger of princely states with Odisha.
• Biju Patnaik: Notable for his visionary leadership, served as Chief Minister for two terms. Remembered for his significant contributions to the state’s development.
• Naveen Patnaik: Son of Biju Patnaik, has been the Chief Minister since 2000, making him one of the longest-serving Chief Ministers in India. Known for his focus on infrastructure, social welfare, and disaster management, he has significantly transformed Odisha’s socio-economic landscape.
• Janaki Ballabh Patnaik: Served as Chief Minister of Odisha from 1980 to 1989 and again from 1995 to 1999. Played a crucial role in the state’s political and developmental narrative.
• Giridhar Gamang: Held the office of Chief Minister briefly from December 1999 to March 2000. Contributed to the state’s political landscape during his tenure.

Current Chief Minister of Odisha

Naveen Patnaik is the current Chief Minister of Odisha, having held the position since 2000. As the longest-serving Chief Minister in Odisha’s history, Patnaik has led the state through significant transformations. Under his leadership, Odisha has seen remarkable progress in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and disaster management.

Known for his clean image and administrative acumen, Patnaik has also focused on welfare programs aimed at poverty alleviation and economic growth. His government has been recognized for effectively managing natural disasters, earning national and international praise. Naveen Patnaik’s leadership continues to shape the future of Odisha, driving it towards greater stability and prosperity.

List of Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024

Below we have provided the List of Chief Ministers of Odisha from 1947 to 2024. Check the mentioned table

Chief Minister	From	To	Party
Harekrushna Mahatab	23 April 1946	12 May, 1950	INC
Nabakrushna Choudhury	12 May 1950	20 February 1952	INC
Nabakrushna Choudhury	20 February 1952	19 October 1956	INC
Harekrushna Mahatab	19 October 1956	22 May 1959	INC
Harekrushna Mahatab	6 April 1957	22 May 1959	INC
President’s Rule	25 February 1961	23 June 1961	–
Biju Patnaik	23 June 1961	2 October 1963	INC
Biren Mitra	2 October 1963	21 February 1965	INC
Sadashiva Tripathy	21 February 1965	8 March 1967	INC
Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo	8 March 1967	9 January 1971	Swatantra Party
President’s Rule	11 January 1971	3 April 1971	–
Biswanath Das	3 April 1971	14 June 1972	Independent
Nandini Satpathy	14 June 1972	3 March 1973	INC
President’s Rule	3 March 1973	6 March 1974	–
Nandini Satpathy	6 March 1974	16 December 1976	INC
President’s Rule	16 December 1976	29 December 1976	–
Binayak Acharya	29 December 1976	30 April 1977	INC
President’s Rule	30 April 1977	26 June 1977	–
Nilamani Routray	26 June 1977	17 February 1980	Janata Party
President’s Rule	17 February 1980	9 June 1980	–
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik	9 June 1980	10 March 1985	INC
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik	10 March 1985	7 December 1989	INC
Hemananda Biswal	7 December 1989	5 March 1990	INC
Biju Patnaik	5 March 1990	15 March 1995	Janata Dal
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik	15 March 1995	17 February 1999	INC
Giridhar Gamang	17 February 1999	6 December 1999	INC
Hemananda Biswal	6 December 1999	5 March 2000	INC
Naveen Patnaik	5 March 2000	16 May 2004	Biju Janata Dal
Naveen Patnaik	16 May 2004	21 May 2009	Biju Janata Dal
Naveen Patnaik	21 May 2009	21 May 2014	Biju Janata Dal
Naveen Patnaik	21 May 2014	29 May 2019	Biju Janata Dal
Naveen Patnaik	29 May 2019	Present	Biju Janata Dal

First Chief Minister of Odisha

The first Chief Minister of Odisha was Harekrushna Mahatab, who took office in 1946. Known as the “Utkal Keshari” or “Lion of Odisha,” Mahatab played a crucial role in the formation and development of the state. He was a prominent freedom fighter and a member of the Indian National Congress.

During his tenure, he focused on infrastructure development, education, and the modernization of Odisha. Mahatab’s leadership laid the foundation for the state’s future growth and set a precedent for effective governance. His contributions to Odisha’s political and social landscape continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Odisha 1st Female Chief Minister of Odisha

Nandini Satpathy was the first female Chief Minister of Odisha, serving from June 1972 to December 1976. A prominent leader in the Indian National Congress, she was known for her strong administrative skills and commitment to social welfare.

During her tenure, Satpathy focused on issues such as women’s empowerment, education, and rural development. She initiated various schemes to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people in Odisha and worked towards enhancing the state’s infrastructure.

Nandini Satpathy’s leadership was marked by her efforts to promote social justice and economic development, making her a significant figure in Odisha’s political history. Her tenure paved the way for greater female participation in politics and governance in the state.

Chief Minister of Odisa Powers and Functions

Here are the Powers and Functions of the Chief Minister of Odisha:

• Head of State Government: The Chief Minister (CM) is the head of the state government and leads the executive branch.
• Leader of the Legislative Assembly: The CM leads the ruling party or coalition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly and is responsible for the legislative agenda and policies.
• Cabinet Formation: The CM has the authority to select and appoint ministers to the state cabinet, allocating specific portfolios and roles.
• Policy Making: The CM plays a central role in formulating and implementing state policies and programs, aligning with both state and national objectives.
• Execution of Laws: Ensures the execution of state laws and oversees the administration of public services.
• Adviser to the Governor: Acts as the principal adviser to the Governor of Odisha, communicating decisions and policies of the government.
• Financial Management: Presents the state budget in the legislative assembly, outlining revenue and expenditure plans.
• Administrative Control: Supervises the functioning of various government departments and agencies to ensure efficient administration.
• Crisis Management: Leads the state during crises, such as natural disasters, ensuring effective disaster management and relief efforts.
• Public Welfare Initiatives: Initiates and oversees schemes aimed at social welfare, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation programs.
• Interstate Relations: Represents Odisha in interactions with other states and the central government, negotiating on issues affecting the state.
• Appointments: Recommends appointments for key state positions, such as the Chief Secretary and other senior bureaucrats.
• Public Address: Addresses the public and the media, articulating government policies, and achievements, and responding to public concerns.